Traffic Moving After Tanker Overturns, Spills Fuel In Fayetteville

Police said around 9 a.m., driver Terry Robinson of Pope Transportation Company in Maxton tried to make a left turn from West Rowan Street when his 8,800-gallon fuel tanker tipped over.

"He was making a lefthand turn onto Bragg Boulevard and had some kind of mechanical problem. He wasn't traveling at a high rate of speed or anything," said Sgt. Anthony Kelly of the Fayetteville Police Department.

As much as 500 gallons of fuel poured out onto the roadway and down storm drains leading to Cross Creek River -- the city's water supply.

"Hazmat and street crews downstream are trying to see where it's going, trying to see how much is there and putting booms out to capture a lot of it," said city spokesman Jason Brady.

Workers had to suit up in their chemical suits to clean up the spill. Because of the hot conditions, workers took turns every two hours to make sure they were not overcome by heat exhaustion.

At least six businesses were evacuated and police cordoned off all neighboring streets.

It took Hazmat crews more than eight hours to clean up the spill.

The city is not saying anything about risks to its water supply, but said the spill could affect the river's fish and wildlife.

Later Monday afternoon, crews were able to get the tanker upright. Robinson was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.