Semi leaks 23 gallons of fuel after crash near Valentine

VALENTINE, Neb. - A semi-truck crash near Valentine on Sunday afternoon led to the spill of 23 gallons of fuel, Cherry County Emergency Management Director Jessica Coyle reported during Tuesday’s county commissioners' meeting.

 

The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Highways 83 and 20, south of Valentine. Cleanup and traffic diversion efforts stretched into the early hours of Monday, with authorities clearing the scene by 6:00 a.m.

While the fuel spill posed a challenge, the situation could have been far worse. The semi, which was transporting an empty gas tanker, leaked fuel from the truck itself rather than its tanker.

The response involved multiple agencies, including the Valentine Fire Department, Cherry County Sheriff’s Office, Cherry County Ambulance, Nebraska Department of Transportation, and Nebraska State Patrol. Additionally, a larger wrecker service from Murdo, South Dakota, All Pro Towing and Repair, was called in to remove the semi from the road.

 

“The state and local law enforcement agencies did a great job with traffic safety enforcement. The volunteer firefighters deserve a special mention as they went above and beyond to help clear the roadway and protect our safety,” said a spokesperson from All Pro Towing and Repair.

In her report, Coyle also discussed a separate incident earlier this month: a wildfire northwest of Mullen that burned more than 600 acres, largely at Spikebox Ranch, owned by media mogul and philanthropist Ted Turner. Crews from Valentine, Thedford, McPherson County, and the Sandhills Fire Protection District joined Mullen firefighters to contain the fire.

Photos are courtesy of All Pro Towing and Repair.