Overturned tanker truck spills tar along I-40, causes traffic backups

WAKE COUNTY (WTVD) -- An overturned and leaking tanker truck caused major traffic backups along Interstate 40 in Wake County during Friday morning's commute.

The Puryear Tank Lines truck overturned on its side around 5:45 a.m. along a curve in the westbound ramp to US-1 south at exit 293, near Buck Jones Road in Cary.

The driver taken to the hospital, but the extent of his injuries are unknown at this time.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said the tanker was carrying 6,000 gallons of liquid asphalt.

Some of the tar spilled into a retention pond and onto the road. However, there are no concerns about it entering the storm drainage or contaminating creeks.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Crews were able to get the truck upright about two hours after the accident. Just after 8:30 a.m., authorities reopened the ramp to traffic.

According to an accident report, he failed to reduce his speed on the ramp, causing the truck to overturn. Puryear said the driver was headed to a delivery.