Cleanup continues after collision between fuel truck and bus near Chapel Arm

A bus collided with the rear end of a fuel truck on Trans-Canada Highway on Monday, spilling about 23,000 litres of fuel onto the road. About a third of that fuel has since been cleaned up. (Submitted by Tulk's Towing)

Cleanup of a significant fuel spill on the Trans-Canada Highway near Chapel Arm is continuing, as the environmental damage is still being assessed.

The RCMP says a double tanker carrying diesel, owned by RST Transport, was travelling up a hill in the westbound lane of the highway Monday morning.

A 56-seat motorcoach, owned by DRL Coachlines, attempted an overtake in the passing lane, when investigators say the bus collided with the rear end of the fuel truck.

The crash caused a gash in the truck's tank, spilling 23,000 litres of fuel onto the road. The bus was badly damage and two of the six people on board received minor injuries.

Officials with Service NL say about 7,000 litres of fuel has since been recovered, while the RCMP are continuing an investigation into the incident, however no charges have been laid.

Police say speed was not a factor, but wet roads and dark conditions could have played a role. The investigation also includes determining whether driver error or mechanical problems caused the collision.

RST Transport is responsible for the clean-up costs, which haven't been determined, and the company has hired a consultant to determine the extent of the environmental damage.

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