Tanker Accident Closes I-25 North of Wheatland [UPDATED]

WHEATLAND, Wyo. (AP) — A tanker truck accident and crude oil spill has closed Interstate 25 north of Wheatland.

Wyoming State Patrol spokesman Stephen Townsend says the accident happened shortly after 3 a.m. Tuesday. Townsend says the tanker truck carrying 800 gallons of crude oil spilled most of its contents on the highway.

The main north-south route through the state remained closed in both directions for at least five hours as crews cleaned up the oil.

The cause of the accident and spill remains under investigation.

UPDATE 12:35 PM: Interstate 25 is now open in both directions according to Townsend. The driver, Torin Williams, of Johnstown, CO was not injured and told Troopers he swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway. Townsend reports that no citations was issued.