Camp Zama's Emergency Services contain the spill where an 18-wheel truck collided with the protective barricade at Camp Zama's Gate 1 Monday while entering the installation. (Courtesy of U.S. Army)

CAMP ZAMA, Japan — A small diesel fuel spill Monday morning inside the main gate briefly delayed incoming traffic during rush hour.

The left side of a fuel tank on a tractor-trailer carrying construction materials was punctured at 7:10 a.m. as a driver maneuvered through a series of concrete-filled barriers, Camp Zama spokesman Army Maj. John Amberg said.

The Japanese contractor failed to judge proper clearance through the barricade, Amberg said. Up to 20 gallons of fuel leaked from the 78-gallon tank onto asphalt near a guard shack.

The fire department’s hazardous materials team was on scene within three minutes, Amberg said. The ruptured tank was corked and drained, and the fuel mopped up.

Cleanup took about an hour, and traffic through the gate was reduced to one lane, he said.

But delays were minimal.

Amberg said Gate 2 — across from the main gate — was opened shortly after the incident.

Motorists could also use Gate 7 by the golf course.

Amberg praised the emergency response team comprising military police, firefighters and public works employees for their quick action and cooperation.

“We regret any inconvenience that was caused by the spill, and we are looking into any preventative measures we can implement in the future,” he said.