Cleanup underway after pre-dawn spill of hazardous goods closes stretch of Hwy 3

CRANBROOK, B.C. – A hazardous materials spill has closed a section of Highway 3 in southeastern British Columbia.

Southeast District Traffic Services Sgt. Don Erichsen says a commercial vehicle rolled early Tuesday morning, closing the route just east of Jaffray, about 50 kilometres southeast of Cranbrook.

Erichsen says the truck was hauling hazardous goods, but he did not indicate what was spilled.

He says the situation is controlled but the cleanup could take hours.

Drive BC estimates Highway 3 will reopen by late afternoon and a detour over secondary roads is available.

A cause of the crash or a condition of the truck driver have not been released. (CHBZ)