A tractor-trailer hauling a large amount of oil-based paint overturned and fell down an embankment on Old Lemay Ferry Road north of Frisco Hill and Four Ridge roads in Imperial. The driver had to be rescued, although he was not injured, Antonia Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Curtis Ehrhard said.
He said he didn’t know the driver’s name.
The accident happened just before 2 p.m. May 10. Firefighters, who arrived on the scene at 2:02 p.m., had to cut the windshield out of the tractor to pull out the driver, Ehrhard said
The accident occurred while the big rig was rounding a curve and went down a ravine. Paint spilled into the truck, which leaked out into the ravine, Ehrhard said.
He said the paint was not hazardous to humans; however, it was hazardous to the environment.
The Rock Community Fire Protection District and the Jefferson County Hazmat Team helped with the call.
Crews were on the scene until 12:36 a.m. May 11, and the road was closed until noon that day, Ehrhard said.
It was not the first time a big rig hauling paint ran off the road in that area, Ehrhard said.
On Jan. 25, 2018, a tractor-trailer ran off Old Lemay Ferry along the same stretch, spilling paint in the ravine.
About a month later, on Feb. 21, 2018, another big rig ran off Old Hwy. M near Kneff Road. No paint was spilled in that accident.
All three trucks were coming from the Masterchem Industries paint factory oat 3135 Old Hwy. M in Imperial when the accidents occurred.