QuikTrip Tractor-Trailer Crash on I-675 South Led to Massive Fuel Spill

A QuikTrip tanker truck filled with gasoline hit at least one other vehicle around 2:00 am on Tuesday morning. The tanker was traveling down I-675 South near Anvil Block Road when the collision occurred. The impact of the crash was enough to flip the tanker, causing fuel to spill all over I-675. The road was closed for 6 hours while authorities cleaned up the gas.

At this time, no further information about the crash has been released; we don’t know what caused the collision, or if anyone was hurt.

What leads to fuel spills?

Tanker trucks are tough. They are built to contain hazardous material, which makes them a little different from the average tractor-trailer. The tanks themselves are either made of stainless or galvanized steel, or an aluminum alloy.

Why does the material matter? Because the impact of the crash was strong enough to flip the tanker over. If the tank was made of aluminum alloy, which is more prone to stress fracturing, it could explain why the fuel spilled in the first place. Until we know more about the collision, however, we cannot know what would have caused the tank to release the gas.

How dangerous are fuel spills?

Fuel spills can occur when a tractor-trailer rolls over or jack-knifes – two situations which can be dangerous to truck drivers and other vehicle drivers alike. In the absence of injuries, however, the most pressing concern is that a hazardous, flammable material is now on the road. Aside from the environmental concerns (fuel spills can require remediation if the fuel gets into the ground), there is a very real risk of a fire. A spark from the engine can cause the entire roadway to burst into flames.

It is not the gasoline itself, however, that poses the fire risk – it’s the vapors from the fuel. Gasoline vaporizes quickly when it hits oxygen. It is this vapor that will burn; if there is enough of it, it can be mistaken for an explosion. In the event of a fuel spill, it is important to clear the road quickly of the gas (and its vapors), so that the fire risk is eliminated.

Helping victims of tractor-trailer accidents in Georgia

So far, there has been no report of injuries from this truck accident, but that is not always the case. If you are involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer, Harris Lowry Manton LLP can help you. Our experienced truck crash attorneys in Atlanta and Savannah travel throughout the state to represent clients. We have secured millions of dollars on behalf of clients who have been hurt in collisions with commercial trucks.

Harris Lowry Manton LLP fights for truck accident victims. To schedule your free consultation, please call us in Atlanta at 404-961-7650, in Savannah at 912-651-9967, or fill out our contact form.