A video posted by Nelson, B.C., resident Sarosha Stockton shows the devastating effects of a tanker truck crash that spilled jet fuel into the region’s Lemon Creek, which feeds into the Slocan River.
Approximately 35,000 litres of fuel leaked into the water following the crash, and as Stockton demonstrates in the video, which he posted to his blog kootenayangler.com, the oil is likely killing the river’s fish.
Rick Wagner, an environmental officer for the region, said that crews are cleaning up the spill, and tests will be done to determine why the fish are dying.
In the meantime, health officials in the area have issued a “Do Not Use” water advisory for Slocan Valley residents.
The tanker truck was carrying fuel for helicopters used to fight forest fires in the region.