Hazmat crews from Denver and Pueblo are responding to a large spill just south of Fairplay.
Colorado State Patrol Srgt. Mike Baker confirmed that the call came in at about 5:53 p.m. today.
A Dodge pickup towing a trailer was driving north onU.S. Highway 285, 11 miles south of Fairplay when the trailer detached and rolled over. It is believed the accident caused the spill of about 10,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate and phosphate, though those are initial estimates.
Ammonium nitrate often is used in fertilizer and can act as an irritant if inhaled.
“There is no immediate concern for contamination of ground water sources,” Baker said. “Initially the more pressing concern is for public safety.”
Untrained personnal have been removed from the scene, but no evacuations have been reported.
The driver of the pickup, Michael Martin, 57, of Buena Vista, was not injured in the accident.
Initial responders have secured the site, but crews are still working to clean the spill and there is no estimate on when the highway will reopen.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372 or yrobles@denverpost.com
