PHOTOS: Semi-Truck/Trailer Rollover Accident Blocked SW 41st & East Valley Highway Wednesday Afternoon

UPDATED, 5:45 p.m. 7/25/2012—

The semi-truck/trailer was righted shortly before 5:45 p.m. and Renton Fire and Emergency Services have cleared the scene, according to officials. The Washington State Patrol is still at the scene investigating and the roads remain closed; however, officials estimate the roadblocks will be removed by approximately 6:30 p.m.

UPDATED, 4:15 p.m. 7/25/2012—

Renton Fire and Emergency Services is still treating the scene of the semi-truck/trailer rollover at SW 41st and East Valley Highway with extreme caution.

The shipping papers indicate that the commercial truck contains seafood, but those same papers also caution that the contents are “explosive when exposed to air,” said Deputy Fire Chief Erik Wallgren.

“We’re preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” he said.

The driver of the truck was initially trapped inside the cab, but has since been removed and is uninjured; however, one firefighter received a laceration to the hand while extracting the truck driver.

The department is on scene and ready to handle any fluid loss from the truck and protect storm drains as responders work to right the rig. Washington State Patrol is also on scene investigating.

The roadway is closed at least one-half block in each direction of the accident.

As of 4:15 p.m., the department did not know exactly when the road may re-opened, but Wallgren estimated it may be one hour or more.

Original Post 3:14 p.m. 7/25/2012—

This just in from the Renton police Department:

Renton Police are responding to a rollover accident involving a semi-trailer in the area of SW 41st St and East Valley Rd S.  The contents of the trailer are unknown, but may be volatile; as a precaution, we have shut down a number of roads in the area.  Motorists should be aware of possible delays throughout South Renton.

Patch will update this story as more information becomes available, but in the meantime avoid this area.