A potentially explosive crash happened Monday morning after a tractor-trailer hauling dynamite overturned on Interstate 85.
According to Randolph County EMS, the crash occurred just after 6:45 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-85 at mile marker 111 near Main Street/U.S. Highway 311 near High Point.
The tractor-trailer was carrying ammonium nitrate slurry and blasting caps.
Crews worked to separate the blasting caps from the ammonium nitrate so that the interstate could be cleared for other drivers.
Traffic was initially diverted from both directions of the interstate to Main Street, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation.
The sensitive nature of the situation prompted DOT officials to recommend evacuation of homes and buildings within ½ mile of the intersection of Archdale Road and I-85. A local elementary school was evacuated upon requests from authorities.
As of 11 a.m. the elements contained in the truck were stable and all ignition sources were eliminated.
Studies conducted in year 2010 reveal that an estimated 276,00 large trucks were involved in motor vehicle crashes. Of fatalities resulting from those crashes, 76 percent were occupants of other vehicles, 10 percent were nonoccupants, and 14 percent were occupants of the large trucks. Large trucks and commercial vehicles have an inevitable presence on our roads and highways to meet the demands of our society and economy. So it’s important that all road users learn to share the road. Stay alert around large trucks and make an effort to stay visible to drivers of these vehicles. If you are involved in a serious accident with a large truck or tractor-trailer, call the Accident Attorneys of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.