A hazardous spill stretching nearly three miles across Fort Wayne has led to multiple vehicle crashes, including one that left a motorcyclist with life-threatening injuries, prompting an urgent public safety alert late Monday night.

Authorities are urging drivers to avoid a heavily trafficked route from downtown Fort Wayne to Coliseum Boulevard, where a mysterious slippery substance is coating the roads.

Timeline of the Spill

The hazardous trail was first reported near Main and Lafayette Streets and continued northward along Spy Run, ending near the intersection of Lima Road and Coliseum Boulevard.

As of Tuesday morning, crews are still trying to determine:

• The origin of the spill

• The type of substance

• The identity of the vehicle responsible

Emergency Response in Full Force

Multiple agencies are involved in responding to the situation:

• Fort Wayne Police Department

• Fort Wayne Fire Department

• Indiana State Police

• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

• Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)

• Allen County Homeland Security

Allen County Homeland Security Director Bernie Beier confirmed the heaviest concentration of the spill appears near Coliseum Boulevard, but said testing is still underway to determine the material causing the slick conditions.

“Our first priority is separating the public from the spill,” Beier said Monday night.

Cooking Oil Suspected

While the exact substance has not been confirmed, Officer Daniel Nerzig of the Fort Wayne Police Department said early signs point to cooking oil spilling from a truck traveling the route. This speculation comes after numerous skid-related crashes were reported.

Among the incidents was a serious motorcycle crash, leaving the male rider with life-threatening injuries. No updates have yet been released on his condition.

Unknown Duration for Cleanup

Authorities say they are still running tests and assessing the affected stretch of roadway. The cleanup timeline remains unclear, with efforts delayed until the substance can be safely identified and neutralized.

Motorists are asked to steer clear of the impacted route, which includes:

• Main St.

• Lafayette St.

• Spy Run

• Lima Rd.

• Coliseum Blvd.

Public Urged to Stay Away

As a precaution, drivers should:

• Avoid the entire 3-mile corridor

• Seek alternate routes through Fort Wayne

• Follow updates from local law enforcement and city alerts

Authorities plan to release further information as soon as the substance is identified and clean-up is underway.