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Fuel, antifreeze spilled in fiery crane truck crash on I-84

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A stretch of Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened following an hours-long closure caused by a fiery crane truck crash.

The incident, near milepost 40, shut down the freeway in both directions from Troutdale to Hood River on Friday morning, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. By 2:45 p.m., officials announced eastbound lanes had reopened, but the westbound closure was extended to The Dalles as all truck parking areas were full in Hood River.

All lanes were reopened shortly before 4 p.m.

Authorities say the semi-truck, which carried a crane boom and pulled a flatbed trailer, was traveling east on the freeway when a tire blew. The boom truck slid several barriers into the opposing lanes as it toppled over them — sending fuel and other debris across all lanes of traffic, according to ODOT.

The truck’s cab caught fire after sliding on the cement barrier.

Oregon State Police says the operator, 37-year-old Marvin Klopfenstein, walked away with minor injuries.

According to OSP, approximately 200 gallons of fuel, oil and antifreeze spilled from the truck. They say the road was gouged in places that needed to be repaired before the highway was fully reopened.

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Drivers traveling between Portland and Columbia Gorge were advised to use Highway 26.