Crash in Port Moody could leak carbon dioxide onto street: police

Police closed a section of Clarke Road in Port Moody after it was determined a crash involving a semi-truck could risk leaking carbon dioxide onto the street.

Clarke Road — not to be confused with Clarke Street — near St. Johns Street in Port Moody was closed in both directions Tuesday morning after the truck crashed and flipped on its side.

The Port Moody Police Department says first responders were called to the scene at 10:40 a.m.

“Upon arrival, it was determined the truck may be leaking ammonia,” police said in a statement to CityNews.

In an update around noon, the department corrected its earlier warning, saying “the gas is believed to be carbon dioxide, not ammonia as originally believed.”

Police say surrounding buildings were evacuated or occupants were told to shelter in place.

“My understanding is there’s no injuries,” Const. Sam Zacharias told 1130 NewsRadio. “Fortunately, the driver was uninjured, and there’s no other injuries that have been reported to us at this time.”

Carbon dioxide, he says, “certainly poses less of a hazard to the public” than ammonia.

Zacharias says the truck “also took with it some power lines” while crashing, and police are still investigating the cause.

“Anyone with information, that might have witnessed it, that has not spoken to us, is asked to contact us.”

Drivers and pedestrians have been asked to avoid the area. A detour to Como Lake Avenue is recommended.

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