Overturned Fuel Tanker Spurs Lengthy Hazmat Response In Terra Linda

SAN RAFAEL, CA — An overturned trailer carrying fuel tipped over early Tuesday in San Rafael's Terra Linda neighborhood, prompting a large emergency response that stretched into the afternoon.

According to the police department, 911 callers reported the incident shortly before 2:30 a.m. along Northgate Drive, between Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue. Arriving officers reported fuel leaking onto the street, which crews rushed to contain with sand barriers. Police said a strong odor was in the air, and a hazmat team was working to clean up the spill and upright the tanker.

While evacuations were not required, police asked drivers and pedestrians to avoid the area until the scene was cleared. In an update shared shortly after 11 a.m., the department said an eastbound stretch of Freitas Parkway and Northgate Drive would likely remain closed for several hours. Crews successfully removed the fuel from the overturned trailer and tow trucks were working to remove the vehicle from the scene.

Police said the next phase of the cleanup would involve removing the spilled fuel and working with public works to mitigate environmental impacts. Some businesses opted to close out of an abundance of caution.

Authorities reported Freitas Parkway reopened shortly after 2 p.m., but the stretch of Northgate Drive remained closed. The truck cab and first trailer remained upright during the incident, and police said the driver was uninjured.