CHARLOTTE, N.C. — All lanes of Mount Holly Road are closed near I-485 in west Charlotte after a crash involving a tractor-trailer led to a fuel spill Sunday night.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, a driver ran a stop sign and crashed into the truck, causing it to flip onto its side. That caused the trailer to spill about 7,500 gallons of fuel all over the area and forced hazmat crews to close the road for cleanup. Charlotte Fire reports Hazmat was able to recover about 500 gallons of gasoline.
Charlotte Fire said their crews deployed large quantities of absorbent to divert the fuel from continuing to spill into drains and other areas. According to officials, the spilled product did make its way into the creek area but said they were able to stop it from spreading in the creek at a point between Stoney Bridge Dr and Sonoma Valley Drive. Crews said there is no indication that the product made it to the golf course.
Approximately 32 absorbent booms were deployed to help collect the spilled product that made its way into the creek. CFD used approximately 40000 gallons of foam to suppress vapors to reduce the risk of explosion or fire.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to a hospital and treated for injuries that aren't considered life-threatening.
It is unclear when the road will reopen but Charlotte Fire officials said it will impact Monday morning's commute. Drivers can use Belmeade Drive and Moores Chapel Road as alternate routes.