THE A358 has reopened after a huge fuel spillage left it awash with diesel.

The highway was closed yesterday (October 10) after a tanker lost all 200 litres of its fuel between the A378 in Thornfalcon and the A303 at Southfields Roundabout in Ilminster. 

Police, firefighters and county highway officials were called to the scene at around 11.50am yesterday and closed the road while a clean up operation took place.

Eastbound traffic was diverted onto the A378.

RELATED LINK: A358 closed after tanker spills 200 litres of diesel between Thornfalcon and Ilminster

Somerset County Council's Highways department have been working through the night to resurface the road and remove tarmac which was contaminated by the fuel spill. 

Somerset County Gazette:

Workers from Somerset County Council's Highways department lay new tarmac on the A358. Picture - Somerset County Council 

Highway officials whitelined the road at around 3.30am before the road re-opened at around 6.30am. 

 A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Fire control mobilised one fire appliance from Taunton and the Environmental Protection Unit with a support appliance from Taunton to attend this incident.

"On arrival the incident commander confirmed a 200 litre diesel leak from one heavy good vehicle onto the highway.

"Crews got to work attempting to isolate the leak using environmental protection equipment and liaising with highways agency."