Drivers are being encouraged to avoid traveling north on I-75 through Toledo, where it has been shut down since a tractor trailer flipped over and spilled its fuel.

Police and firefighters, who were called to the scene at about 11:20 a.m., closed the freeway near Exit 201B a few minutes later. Traffic is being forced off northbound I-75 at Miami Street; taking the State Rt. 795 to I-280 should avoid the backup entirely. 

According to police dispatch reports the semi was traveling northbound when it suddenly flipped over. The driver was taken to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center for medical attention.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Toledo Division of Environmental Services, and Coast Guard were summoned to the scene because spilled diesel fuel flowed through storm drains into Swan Creek. More than two hours later, officials still were making arrangements to right and remove the overturned truck.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

First Published October 5, 2013, 4:12 p.m.