Last Tuesday, a semi truck overturned on Interstate 40 near the Tennessee state line. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened about two miles from the Fines Creek Road exit in Haywood County at about 1:00 p.m. For currently unknown reasons, the large commercial truck overturned in the eastbound lanes. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in this one-vehicle truck crash. First responders were swiftly on the scene, where a portion of the roadway had to be closed for hours. There has been no word on what caused the semi truck to overturn, but the truck driver was reportedly charged with failure to maintain lane control.
Semi Truck Carrying Hazardous Materials
A highway patrol officer on the scene reported that the tractor-trailer was hauling Propanediol at the time of the wreck. Since this is considered a hazardous material, a HAZMAT team was called from Asheville to ensure there wasn’t any leakage from the truck’s container. There has been no word on whether or not any of the Propanediol leaked from the trailer’s container, but crews were on the scene for hours. This wreck could still be under investigation with authorities.
Trucks Hauling Dangerous Chemicals
Not only are commercial trucking vehicles larger and heavier than other passenger occupant vehicles on U.S. roadways, in some cases, they’re hauling volatile or dangerous chemical. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the agency tasked with regulating the commercial trucking industry, and they have regulations regarding the safe transport of certain materials and chemicals. If a truck hauling toxic or volatile chemicals crashes, the threat to other motorists, the truck driver and even to the nearby environment and local water sources can be incredibly high.
Truck Accidents in Asheville
In addition to the traditional rules of the road, truck drivers have federal regulations to follow to ensure the safe transport of their cargo. If a truck driver is found to have violated any federal or state safety regulations, he or she can be held accountable for any damages associated with the wreck. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident in or around Asheville, contact Davis Law Group, P.A. at 866-397-2897 for a free consultation.