San Diego/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on October 10, 2024
El Cajon Community Evacuated as Overturned Tanker Spills Gasoline, Power Shutoff Prevents Potential CatastropheSource: Heartland Fire & Rescue

Chaos struck the Fletcher Parkway and Navajo Road intersection in El Cajon this morning when a tanker truck loaded with approximately 8,800 gallons of gasoline flipped on its side. Heartland Fire & Rescue was quick to the scene, arriving by roughly 9:45 AM after being dispatched at 9:39 AM. Fuel began spilling into nearby storm drains, prompting immediate action.

With fuel dangerously seeping into the underground electrical systems, swift measures were taken, SDG&E crews shut down power to avert disaster, and evacuation orders were mandated for homes within a 300 ft radius. At the same time, those living further were told to shelter in place. A Temporary Evacuation Point was set up at Hillside Recreation Center, where the American Red Cross stood by to assist those affected. The driver of the overturned truck was the sole injury reported and has since been transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital for treatment, according to Heartland Fire & Rescue.

This incident drew a concerted response from various agencies, including the City of El Cajon, the El Cajon Police Department, the San Diego County Hazardous Incident Response Team, the San Diego Fire-Rescue—Hazmat, and other services.