Highway 17 closed near Deep River, Ont., after powdered nickel spill
Highway closed in both directions between Brouse and Bass Lake roads
UPDATE: The highway reopened early Thursday morning.
Highway 17 is closed in both directions just northwest of Deep River, Ont., after a tractor-trailer rolled onto its side, spilling a load of powdered nickel onto the highway.
It happened just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday between Brouse and Bass Lake roads, Upper Ottawa Valley OPP said in a media release.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
Update: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WofDeepRiver?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WofDeepRiver</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWY17?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWY17</a> Bass Lake Rd, all lanes remain closed in both directions due to collision. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ONHwys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ONHwys</a>
—@511ONEasternAn unconfirmed amount of nickel and sand spilled onto the roadway, but did not end up in any ditches or waterways, said Gary Wheeler, spokesperson with Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Therefore, the spill "does not pose a threat to the natural environment at this time," Wheeler said in an emailed statement.
Crews were using a vacuum truck to collect the spilled material for disposal, he said.
Police investigating
The highway was expected to be closed until late Wednesday afternoon to allow for the removal of the tractor-trailer and its spilled cargo.
As of 5 p.m., no lanes had reopened, and detours remained in place.
OPP are investigating. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call OPP at 613-735-0188.