Tanker crashes on I-70 in Topeka, killing driver

http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/Accident_Closes_I-70_Adams_Ramps_132514233.html

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -- Authorities say a fatal semi accident may keep I-70 east of downtown Topeka closed until late Tuesday evening.

The accident happened at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday on westbound I-70 near the Adams Street exit.

It appeared the semi slammed into the retaining wall, an impact that sent the tanker over the wall, where it appeared to have hit the supports of an overhead sign. The truck's cab stayed in the westbound lanes, while the rest of the rig and the sign fell, blocking the eastbound lanes.

The truck's driver, Paul D. Cardwell, 57, of Abilene, died at the scene.

Police say the truck, from a Wamego company, was hauling asphalt oil. A HAZ-MAT team worked to contain the spill.

Both lanes between 4th Street and California were shutdown, and traffic was re-routed on side streets, causing major delays and congestion in Topeka.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is still investigating what caused the crash.

Law enforcement officials and KDOT strongly recommend that drivers avoid utilizing eastbound I-70 into downtown Topeka and use alternate routes until later in the day when the highway reopens.

According to KDOT, oversized semi loads must use I-470 loop through south Topeka to access eastbound I-70/Kansas Turnpike and/or westbound I-70.

Topeka Police ask that drivers choose an alternate route through downtown Topeka until further notice. The department put out the following information:
"The closure for east bound traffic starts at the 8th St exit. The closure for west bound traffic starts at the Turnpike. Even though !-70 is open for east bound traffic up to the 8th St exit local motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid I-70 if they are traveling east into the downtown area. The first available on-ramp for east bound traffic on I-70 is the Adams St on-ramp. The first available on-ramp for west bound traffic on I-70 is the 1st St on-ramp."
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