The intersection of Smith and Chambers roads in Aurora has been re-opened and train service has resumed after a tanker carrying diesel fuel disconnected from the truck pulling it Friday morning and dumped some of the fuel on the ground near the tracks that carry RTD A-Line train between Denver’s Unions Station and Denver International Airport.
Aurora Fire Rescue posted a photo of the dropped tanker to its Twitter account around 9:30 a.m. The 9,000-gallon tank was loaded with 4,000 gallons of diesel gasoline, less than 50 gallons of which spilled out after the accident, according to fire officials.
The incident prompted a HAZMAT team to respond, closing down the intersection in all directions and causing RTD to suspend A-Line service between Central Park Station and Denver International Airport.
Our Hazmat Team and multiple units are working an incident at Smith/Chambers impacting traffic and rail travel. This diesel truck became disconnected from the truck, small leak, less than 50 gallons estimated. Please see for traffic info. Updates to follow.
— Aurora Fire Rescue (@AuroraFireDpt)
Aurora police expected the intersection to be closed for two to three hours, but after a heavy tow truck reached the scene and removed the tanker, all roads were reopened by 10:40 a.m.
RTD has resumed full A-Line service but did for a short time while trains got back on their normal schedule.
Smith/Chambers update: Heavy tow on scene, working to move tank off rails. Our units remain on scene with precautionary fire protection and hazmat team.
— Aurora Fire Rescue (@AuroraFireDpt)
