Key Takeaways
- A diesel spill occurred on Wellington’s Aotea Quay after a truck crashed near a motorway on-ramp
- The incident resulted in the closure of Aotea Quay, with potential impact on ferry access and egress
- An estimated 4000 litres of fuel were spilled, and emergency services are working to contain and clean up the area
- The public is advised to avoid the area, and the road is expected to remain closed throughout the morning
- Emergency services, including Fire and Emergency, are on the scene with equipment and personnel to manage the situation
Introduction to the Incident
A diesel spill has caused the closure of Wellington’s Aotea Quay after a truck crashed near a motorway on-ramp. The incident occurred at approximately 2:45am, and police were quickly notified of the single-vehicle crash involving a fuel truck. The on-ramp heading north was blocked, but has since reopened. However, Aotea Quay remains closed, and Wellington City Council has warned that ferry access and egress may be affected on Tuesday.
Emergency Response and Cleanup Efforts
Emergency services, including Fire and Emergency, are on the scene working to contain and clean up the spill. Incident Controller Mike Dombroski has advised the public to avoid the area, citing the potential risks associated with the spill. Fire and Emergency has reported that an estimated 4000 litres of fuel had been spilled in the incident. The team has deployed three pumps, a command unit, and a water tanker to the scene, and a hazmat unit was also in attendance earlier in the morning to help contain the spill. The fuel tanker company is currently working to decant the remaining fuel from the truck, after which roading contractors will arrive to assist with further cleanup using roading sand.
Impact on the Community
The closure of Aotea Quay and potential impact on ferry access and egress may cause disruptions to the daily commute of many Wellington residents. The incident has already caused one car to crash near the spill, highlighting the potential risks associated with the situation. Police have warned that the road will remain closed throughout the morning, and the public is advised to plan alternative routes and to exercise caution when traveling in the area. The Wellington City Council has also warned of potential disruptions to ferry services, which may impact those who rely on these services for their daily commute.
Ongoing Management of the Situation
The management of the situation is being led by Fire and Emergency, with support from other emergency services and the fuel tanker company. The priority is to contain the spill and prevent any further environmental damage. The use of roading sand to clean up the spill is a common practice in such incidents, as it helps to absorb the fuel and prevent it from entering the stormwater system. The public is advised to follow the instructions of emergency services and to avoid the area until the spill has been fully cleaned up and the road has been reopened.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the diesel spill on Wellington’s Aotea Quay has caused significant disruptions to the community, with the closure of the quay and potential impact on ferry access and egress. Emergency services are working diligently to contain and clean up the spill, and the public is advised to avoid the area and to follow the instructions of emergency services. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that the public remains informed and takes necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and response, and the need for effective communication and collaboration between emergency services, local authorities, and the community.