Recent Truck Spills on I-26 in South Carolina Remind Us of Dangers

Two tanker trucks overturned on South Carolina Interstate 26 exit ramps in the past week, highlighting the dangers the public faces from inattentive truck drivers.

The first incident occurred at the I-26/U.S. 301 interchange in Orangeburg County. The South Carolina Highway Patrol indicated the driver of a tanker truck carrying sodium bisulfate decided too late to exit I-26 and ran off the ramp because he was traveling too fast to handle the curve. The tank developed three leaks, releasing the sodium bisulfate, a skin and respiratory irritant. Nearby businesses were evacuated until a hazmat team contained and removed the spill.

The second incident happened in Dorchester County near the I-26 interchange with I-95. A tanker truck carrying 22 tons of acrylamide from Florida to Michigan overturned when the driver took the exit for U.S. 15 travelling too fast. Acrylamide is a potential carcinogen that is also flammable. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control closed I-26 and U.S. 15 in both directions for 6 hours until hazmat teams could evaluate and contain the spill.

Thanks to WIS and the Charleston Post and Courier for reporting.

From a legal standpoint, tractor trailer and truck accident cases in South Carolina are very different from standard auto accident cases. It is critically important to ensure that your attorney is well-versed and experienced in tractor trailer cases.