(Douglasville, GA) - At approximately 7:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, emergency crews were alerted to an incident involving an overturned tractor trailer on Wilson Road between Highway 5 and Tyree Road in South Douglas County, prompting an evacuation of the area and temporary closure of the roadway in both directions.
The semi-truck, owned by Dyno Nobel Incorporated in Whitesburg, Georgia, was transporting 20,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate mixed with an emulsifier. According to investigators, the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle, and while attempting to overcorrect, the semi overturned. Emergency crews responded promptly to assess the situation and quickly evacuated approximately 50 homes within a half-mile radius to ensure public safety. Nearby Dog River Library was opened as a temporary shelter for evacuees.
The truck was uprighted and all combustible materials were safely removed prior to the vehicle being towed away from the scene. Emergency officials re-opened the roadway and declared the area safe for residents to return at approximately 11:00 a.m.
There were no injuries reported nor was there any chemical or diesel fuel spillage on the roadway.