CLINTONVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA — A semi-truck overturned on Interstate 80 after striking the Porter Road bridge late Friday night, spilling dozens of barrels of golden light syrup across the roadway and shoulder, according to the Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department.
Crews were dispatched at approximately 10:48 p.m. to mile marker 34 on I-80 westbound for a reported commercial vehicle crash.
Semi Struck Bridge and Overturned
When firefighters arrived, they found that a semi-truck had struck the Porter Road bridge and overturned.
The driver was not trapped and was not injured, according to the fire department.
The truck was hauling golden light syrup in 55-gallon drums.
About 54 Barrels Broke Open
Officials said roughly 54 barrels broke open across the travel lanes and along the shoulder.
Because of the size of the spill, crews remained on scene for several hours handling containment and cleanup operations.
Clintonville VFD said crews were on scene until shortly after 3 a.m.
Fire Department Says Bridge Has Been Hit Before
The fire department said this was not the first time the Porter Road bridge has been struck by a semi.
According to Clintonville VFD, crews respond to roughly one semi-versus-bridge crash at that location each year.
The department said additional barriers have been installed over time to help protect the bridge structure and reduce the impact of recurring crashes.
Multiple Agencies Assisted
Clintonville VFD responded with nine members operating Rescue 3, Utility 3 towing County Hazmat Trailer 1, and Brush 3.
Several agencies assisted through the night, including Emlenton Area Ambulance Service for patient assessment, Emlenton Fire Department with Squad 55 and Rescue 55 for traffic control and message board support, Venango County EMA, PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Hovis Auto Wrecking, and Pennsylvania State Police.
The fire department thanked all mutual aid partners and assisting agencies for helping keep the scene safe and clear the roadway.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
