Tanker rolls over in crash on Rt. 8
BUTLER TWP — A rollover crash around 11 a.m. Wednesday on Route 8 near Decatur Drive involving an empty tanker truck sent its driver to a hospital.
Butler Township Police Lt. Matthew Pearson said the driver was injured in the crash, but his condition was unknown. He was taken by ambulance to Butler Memorial Hospital.
Pearson said police believe the single-vehicle crash may have been caused by a tire blowout as the truck was heading north on Route 8.
Pearson said the truck hit the curb in the northbound lane, crossed into the southbound lane and hit its curb. He said the force caused the truck and its trailer to spin and flip.
“When it hit this curb, he rolled,” Pearson said.
The truck rolled over entirely and ended up on its wheels. The cab area, particularly on the passenger side, was crushed thoroughly.
Pearson noted there was no passenger in the vehicle, and the tank, which belonged to Clear Creek, was empty.
The truck came to a stop on a grassy berm that separates the highway from the parking lot of the Butler RV Center & Auto Sales.
Sue Greenart, the RV center's general manager, said the vehicle hit two campers in the lot, resulting in minor damage to each.
“We were pretty lucky,” she said. “Most of the damage was in the yard.”
Greenart said she was more concerned about the driver's well-being and hopes he makes a healthy recovery.
The crash caused some traffic delays, and Butler Township Fire District assisted with traffic control, according to Pearson.
“The road was shut down both ways for about 10 to 15 minutes,” he said.
Pearson said that after the emergency aspects of the scene were under control, personnel helped guide vehicles around the crash.
A representative from Clear Creek also visited the scene to conduct its own investigation.
