Fuel Spill

Sent on behalf of the Hancock Fire Department

- Around 8 a.m. a gasoline tanker tipped over at Santori’s Corner on US Highway 41 in west Hancock. The tanker immediately started spilling gasoline. It was carrying about 8,500 gallons. Currently, it is unknown how much spilled. There have been no injuries caused by the accident and spill. Drinking water has not been affected.
- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD), working in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), issued a public health advisory for the Portage Canal near Houghton/Hancock due to the fuel spill that discharged into the Portage Canal in Houghton County.
- Evacuations are in place in West Hancock from Santori’s Corner on South Lincoln Drive (Highway 41) to Michigan Street, Michigan Street up to Elm Street and down to the Jutila Center, and Minnesota and Ohio Streets between Ethel Avenue and Michigan Street. Attached is an updated map. It is currently unknown when residents will be allowed to return to their homes. An update on that will be given by 8 p.m. tonight. Sooner if possible.
- Traffic Detours: Through traffic is requested to use alternative routes, with northbound traffic asked to follow M-203 toward McLain State Park and southbound traffic asked to take Airport Park Road through Dollar Bay. This is especially true for tractor trailers. Local traffic is open, and White Street in Hancock is currently open to two-way traffic because of the incident. Traffic is not expected to return to normal until late tonight, at the soonest. There is a potential it will be closed overnight, possibly affecting the morning commute.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and Region 8 Hazmat Team is on scene to advise on cleanup efforts. Various contractors are on site and on route for cleanup efforts.
- Due to the petroleum release and the heavy equipment operating in the area, residents are requested to avoid the area if possible.
- Updates as the day goes on and photos and videos from the scene will be posted to the City of Hancock Facebook page or can be found here, CLICK HERE. The photos are courtesy of Superior Search and Rescue. The next briefing from the scene will be sent out around 5:30 p.m. Media inquiries should be sent to mbabcock@phfgive.org.