MONROE COUNTY, Ohio — Emergency crews responded late Tuesday night after a semi-truck carrying hazardous materials crashed over an embankment along State Route 255 near Sardis, triggering a large-scale hazardous materials response.
According to emergency radio traffic, the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m., approximately one mile from Sardis. A Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy reportedly witnessed the crash.
Responders were initially unable to reach the truck due to the steep embankment. Officials said they could hear the driver calling for help as well as the sound of gas leaking from the vehicle.
Because the truck was hauling condensate, an extremely flammable and volatile liquid hydrocarbon separated from natural gas during processing, responders established a safety perimeter while evaluating the scene. Authorities also expressed concern about a possible vapor cloud, though they were unable to confirm its presence due to darkness.
The Monroe County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and specialized hazardous materials contractors were all notified and responded to the incident.
The driver was safely removed from the wreckage shortly after 11:20 p.m. and transported to a hospital with injuries.
EMA established a command center at the Sardis Head Start facility while crews assessed the situation. Officials advised nearby residents to shelter in place, stating there was no immediate need for evacuations.
Authorities closed State Route 255 between State Route 7 and Goddard Road as crews worked the scene.
Emergency officials later reported the truck had lost most of its cargo—an estimated 240 barrels of condensate. Responders confirmed the material had leaked onto the ground and into a nearby stream, prompting additional environmental concerns.
Specialized Professional Services, Inc. (SPSI), a hazardous materials response contractor, responded to evaluate potential risks to nearby properties, waterways and the surrounding environment. Officials also worked to contact a nearby landowner after learning the affected stream flows toward a leased cornfield.
The crash remains under investigation, and cleanup operations are expected to continue as environmental agencies assess the extent of the spill.
