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Crews work around the clock to clean up jet fuel spilled at NAS Oceana

Posted at 10:53 PM, May 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-15 06:16:56-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Crews are continuing to clean up and assess damage following Thursday's fuel spill of approximately 94,000 gallons from a tank at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana.

On Thursday, officials said the jet fuel that spilled at the Naval Air Station Oceana Wednesday night would be contained in 48 hours.

As clean up continues over the weekend, neighbors are wondering what's taking so long.

"On Thursday morning we just thought that 'Okay, it'll be cleaned up on Saturday morning and the smell with sort of go away--no,' " said a nearby homeowner.

They say there's been a strong smell of fuel in the air. The Virginia Department of Health said that fuel levels are low enough to avoid any health risks.

"We have a six-year-old and a three-year-old, so it was concerning when I took her to the bus stop and that's when we smelled that strong smell the first day," mentioned another neighbor.

The lane closure on London Bridge Road has many drivers taking International Parkway to Highway 264, but homeowners living nearby tell News 3 that it's been a hassle.

"Which is a lot longer," a neighbor added. "It will take us probably one minute to get to the Boulevard from here. When we go that way it takes 20-25 minutes, with all the traffic and nobody directing traffic."

Officials say they will hold a public information conference on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the London Bridge Baptist Church in Virginia Beach.

All lanes of London Bridge Road reopened on Sunday night after crews reported making good progress with the cleanup.

Officials are asking the public, and pets, to stay away from the affected areas.

If direct contact is made with jet fuel then wash skin with soapy water.

Experts also want the public to avoid contact with any wildlife in that area, if you come across any animals in distress stay away and call 757-438-3159.

In the meantime, nearby communities are hoping that all of the jet fuel will be contained soon to avoid any future problems. Officials said that the cause of the jet fuel spill is still under investigation.