Overturned tanker truck spills fuel, closes Malahat Highway

The Malahat Highway on Vancouver Island has been closed in both directions just north of Victoria after a fuel tanker rolled over Thursday morning.

The truck overturned in Goldstream Provincial Park after it collided with a passenger van. An undetermined amount of furnace oil was reported to be leaking into the ditch, the Ministry of Environment said.

RCMP say haz-mat crews are at the scene and the spill has since been contained. Ministry officials were also enroute to further assess the situation.

In addition to the furnace oil, the truck was also carrying gasoline and diesel, but officials say the gasoline and diesel did not leak.

Police say two people were transported to hospital as a result of the collision. B.C. Emergency Health services says one person was in serious condition.

Highway closed, detour in place

The highway now is expected to be closed until about 10 p.m. PT Thursday.

DriveBC says a  in both directions, although the alternating traffic and a pilot vehicle means heavy congestion is expected.

Many drivers have also headed to the Brentwood Bay ferry, where long line-ups are reported.

BC Ferries says people can also use ferry connections to the north and south end of Salt Spring Island to detour around the highway closure.