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Truck driver cited in Colorado crash that spilled chemicals

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SILVERTON, Colo. (AP) — The driver of a semi-truck that spilled chemicals during a crash on a Colorado highway has been cited for transporting the materials on an improper route.

The Cortez Journal reports that a driver for Mississippi-based Miller Transporters Inc. crashed south of Silverton Wednesday while traveling on Highway 550, which is not a designated roadway for transporting hazardous material. The Colorado State Patrol says the 45-year-old driver, Mac Rogers of Louisiana, told authorities he was trying to avoid bad weather along Interstate 70.

The truck’s tank was carrying a flammable liquid used in plastics called methyl methacrylate monomer and an unknown amount spilled during the crash. Authorities say it took crews 37 hours to clean up the crash site.

The trucking company did not return calls Friday seeking comment.