Part of state Route 49 still closed after crash

CHATTANOOGA - A portion of state Route 49 remains closed today between Tama and Schaadt roads as workers continue to clean up a large fuel spill following a three-vehicle accident Tuesday morning.

"This probably the largest fuel spill we've dealt with since I joined the Emergency Management Agency in 2003," said director Mike Robbins. "We're estimating the spill at roughly 5,000 gallons of a gasoline and diesel fuel mixture."

Earl Wayne Robinson, 62, of Alexandria, Ky., was driving the 1999 Peterbuilt tanker northbound on state Route 49 at 8:50 a.m. when he attempted to pass a 2011 John Deere tractor pulling a grain wagon. Tractor driver Adam R. Schleucher, 29, of Celina, turned left into a field driveway at the same time, according to sheriff's office reports.

Following impact, the tanker loaded with 7,000 gallons of fuel continued north before overturning on the highway. Debris from the crash struck a 2008 Chevy pickup truck parked along the road. The report listed the owner as Richard D. Schleucher, 77, also of Celina.

No injuries were reported. The tanker and farm equipment sustained heavy damage. The report listed light damage to the pickup truck.

Deputies cited Robinson for driving left of center.

Firefighters from Chattanooga, Rockford and Celina responded to the scene and used tons of sand to create a dike and contain the spill.