SEATTLE -- A fuel tanker truck carrying 3,000 gallons of diesel overturned on Northbound Interstate 5 after 5 a.m. at Tukwila, backing up traffic for miles at the Duwamish curve for commuters heading into Seattle.

Traffic was initially getting through only in the HOV lane but I-5 was later shut down as a pump truck siphoned the fuel out of the tanker and brought the morning commute to a standstill for hours.

VIDEO: I-5 Tanker Accident Causes Commuter Traffic Mess

The Ecology Department was called in because of the risk of a spill.

After the fuel was drained from the truck's 7,000 gallon tank, equipment arrived at about 8:15 a.m. to move the tanker into an upright position. The truck was righted and was towed from the scene just before 9 a.m., when lanes of the freeway were reopened.

SLIDESHOW: Tanker Overturns On I-5

The Washington State Patrol said a taxi cab in the carpool lanes cut off the truck and clipped its front bumper, which caused the tanker to overturn. Police said the taxi driver may have lost control, possibly because of the slick roadway.

Traffic was diverted to Interurban Avenue during the shutdown.

No one was injured.