NORTH BAY

North Bay residents who are on a private water system on Trout Lake in the immediate area of a chemical spill on Highway 63 Monday are warned not to drink the water.

A tanker truck overturned in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 63 north of Silver Lady Lane at about 8:30 a.m. causing fuel and a load of formaldehyde it was carrying to spill.

It was initially thought the formaldehyde spilled into a creek near Trout Lake, but it appears the chemical spilled directly into the lake which is North Bay’s source of drinking water.

Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed the truck driver from Quebec has died in hospital from his injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate whether the driver died as a result of the collision or exposure to the highly toxic formaldehyde he was transporting from Longueuil, Que., to the Tembec plant in Temiscaming, Que.

The Environment Ministry and the North Bay and Parry Sound District Health expect to release a statement advising residents on a private system in the immediate area of the crash to find another source of drinking water.

The health unit is advising the municipal drinking water supply is not in danger.

Emergency crews are trying to determine how much of the highly toxic chemical has leaked from the truck, said OPP Const. Shawn Fougere.

Residents in the immediate area of the crash were forced to evacuate.

The fumes would cause immediate burning in the eyes and throat, and anyone experiencing those symptoms is asked to seek medical advice.

Formaldehyde is used in pressed wood products, hardwood, plywood paneling, and medium density fibreboard, paints, adhesives, varnishes and floor finishes, wallpaper, cardboard and some paper products, according to Health Canada.

Ontario Provincial Police are directing traffic to Four Mile Lake Road as a detour, and say the road closure could continue into Tuesday.

Police were checking homes in the area to make sure residents were complying with the mandatory evacuation.

North Bay Fire and Emergency Services, Ministry of the Environment, OPP’s Technical Traffic Collision Investigations Unit and Dangerous Goods Enforcement, Transport Canada and North Bay Police Service were called to the scene.