UPDATE, 5 p.m.: Homes were evacuated and beaches along the Portage Canal were closed, following a fuel spill in Hancock early Thursday.
The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office says around 8:10 a.m. a fuel truck carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline tipped onto its side on US-41 near Ethel Avenue. It’s not known how much fuel was spilled, but some made its way down a storm sewer and into the Portage Canal. The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department closed beaches and boat launches on the waterway as a precaution. Health officials say their primary concern was skin contact with benzene and inhalation of the fumes.
Residents near the spill site were evacuated, but have since been allowed to return home. The public is asked to avoid the area, if possible.
Traffic was rerouted while environmental officials removed standing gasoline at the site and the fuel truck.
Air and water in the area will continue to be monitored.
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HANCOCK, MI-- A fuel truck rolled over in Hancock Thursday morning.
The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office says at 8:10 a.m. the truck rolled onto its side on US-41 near Ethel Avenue. The Hancock City and Quincy Franklin Hancock Township fire departments are at the scene, along with Hancock Police and the Michigan State Police.
US-41 near the scene is expected to be shut down for several hours. Drivers are being told to expect traffic delays.
