Large Rock Punctures Fuel Tank Causing Diesel Spill on Highway 101 Near Newport

State Police asks anyone traveling on area highways to pay attention for large rocks that could be lodged between vehicle tires or lying on the pavement.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(NEWPORT) - Another incident involving an airborne rock in the Newport area resulted in a punctured diesel fuel tank and spill on Highway 101 in the south end area of Otter Crest.

Approximately 70 gallons of diesel leaked onto the highway and shoulder area before it was contained.

This is the second time in recent days that a rock on the roadway caused a major incident; last week a woman died after a rock from an unconfirmed source struck the windshield of the pickup she was riding in, striking her in the head and neck.

Thursday morning at approximately 8:00 AM, 41-year old Robert Brinson of from Molalla, was operating a 2000 Kenworth truck towing two trailers southbound on Highway 101 near milepost 133 when he saw a rock estimated to be a pound in weight bouncing across the highway.

The rock struck the bottom of the truck's passenger side fuel tank, puncturing it. The truck traveled about 400 yards south before Brinson pulled the vehicles off the highway. Approximately 70 gallons of diesel leaked onto the highway and shoulder before it could be contained.

Responding Oregon State Police troopers were told by Brinson that he believes the rock was kicked up by an oncoming passenger car. Police believe the fatal incident last week may have been thrown by the tires of a semi-truck.

The commercial truck is registered to Tri-Agg Trucking out of Waldport. It was transporting dry cement.

The company contacted NWFF Environmental, a hazardous materials response company out of Philomath. Hazmat cleanup personnel were on scene for two hours today and will be returning Saturday for additional work.

Oregon State Police Lieutenant Kelly Collins, Area Commander for the Newport office, asks anyone traveling on their area highways to pay attention for large rocks that could be lodged between vehicle tires or lying on the pavement. Area rock quarries are also being contacted to remind drivers to check for any large rocks that may have unexpectedly become lodged between tires before they leave.

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Related story: Woman Dies From Injuries After Rock Crashes Through Windshield Near Salishan on Highway 101 (UPDATE): Click here for article