On September 21, 2025, at approximately 2:30 AM,
two crude oil tanker trucks collided on U.S. Highway 6/191 near Helper, Utah.
Each truck, which was carrying roughly 175 barrels (7,350
gallons) of waxy Uintah Basin crude oil. One truck caught on fire due to the
oil being transported at high temperatures for ease of handling. An
estimated 10-25 barrels (420-1,050 gallons) discharged into Consumers Wash,
leading to the Price River.
The river downstream of the Site has several agricultural
diversions, including the Carbon Canal and the Price/Wellington Canal. Both
canals were impacted by crude oil. The Scofield Reservoir Dam, upstream of
Helper, was notified and asked to reduce the river flow to allow for crude
oil recovery and prevent further migration.
EPA, state, and county personnel are conducting recovery efforts to remove oil from the river.
