Interstate 25 near Loveland reopened Sunday afternoon after a massive fuel spill shut down the interstate in both directions early Saturday, the Colorado State Patrol said.

A diesel fuel tanker rolled about 1 a.m. Saturday near mile marker 225 in Loveland, spilling approximately 11,500 gallons of fuel, officials said. The tanker burst into flames and was fully engulfed during the accident.

The driver was pulled from the wreckage with only minor injuries, according to Loveland Fire Rescue Authority.

After being closed for more than 36 hours, southbound I-25 reopened at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Northbound I-25 reopened at 3 p.m. 

Fiery fuel spill closes I-25 at Loveland

The Colorado Department of Transportation said the northbound lanes needed to be scraped and repaved because the fuel soaked into the road’s substructure. The southbound lanes suffered less damage. 

Officials have not released the cause of the accident; however, it appears the tanker was the only vehicle involved.

Crews have recovered the tanker are currently working to clean up the spilled fuel.

Because of the size of the spill, the Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 was brought in to oversee cleanup efforts.

The EPA said the fuel flowed into a drainage ditch and storm drain that lead to the Big Thompson River.

I-25 reopens after being shut down by three-car crash in Thornton

“Efforts are focused on keeping the fuel from impacting the Big Thompson River, reducing the concentration of volatile chemical vapors in the air around the spill scene that may impact surrounding residents and clearing the road of fuel as it creates a driving hazard,” the EPA said.

The EPA will also use air-monitoring equipment because of the residential neighborhoods adjacent to I-25.

Crews from CSP, CDOT, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Front Range Fire Rescue and Poudre Fire Authority also assisted in responding to the accident.