UPDATE, 8 p.m.: Indpendence police report that the left two lanes of I77 are now open at Pershing Avenue. The ramps that were closed are also open.
CLEVELAND — A portion of Interstate 77 North is closed because of a wrong-way fatal crash and fuel tank spill. The roadway is shutdown between Interstate 480 and Pershing Avenue while crews work to clean up approximately 500 gallons of fuel that spilled onto the freeway.
Officials anticipate the closure to continue for the next 6-8 hours. Those attending the Cavs game tonight are encouraged to take a different route of travel, if coming in from that direction.
Cleveland police say the accident happened early Sunday morning, just after 3 a.m. The Cleveland Fire Department said a wrong-way driver crashed into another car head-on near the Broadway exit, causing the fuel truck to swerve off the side of the road and crash.
One person was pronounced dead on the scene, according to Cleveland EMS. There was no immediate word on other injuries in this crash.
The truck’s tank was ruptured, spilling about 500 gallons of fuel onto the roadway.
EPA cleaning up fuel spill. I-77 North closed from Pershing to Broadway exits. Cleveland Fire crews still on scene for safety, support. pic.twitter.com/ofKXWDlYFN
— ClevelandFire (@ClevelandFire) October 29, 2017
@ClevelandFire Crews respond with a truck loaded with absorbent and the foam trailer. Still on scene awaiting another fuel tanker. pic.twitter.com/XWX62EJjFt
— ClevelandFire (@ClevelandFire) October 29, 2017
Fuel Tanker swerved off of 77 to avoid accident. Tank ruptured. Fuel spill on highway. HazMat crews applying foam, mitigating damage. pic.twitter.com/NzuD8eeONg
— ClevelandFire (@ClevelandFire) October 29, 2017
Cleveland fire and HAZMAT crews applied foam to the spill as a vapor barrier to keep the fuel spill from igniting, the department said on its Twitter page.
The Environmental Protection Agency is on the scene assisting with the spill.
Stick with Fox 8 News and FOX8.com for updates as they become available.