23/August/2015 – Tractor Trailer MVC – “A” Shift

Incident # 15-04870 – A MVC involving three tractor trailers blocked northbound I-95 near the 67 mile marker Sunday afternoon 23-August at 17:17. Engine 26 and Medic 1 encountered backed up traffic several miles south of the accident. On arrival they discovered two tractor trailers jack-knifed, one blocking the outside lane and one blocking both travel lanes. A third tractor trailer had been struck in the side and was stuck in the soft grassy shoulder. The accident occurred following a thunderstorm. The drivers suffered only minor injuries. None required transport to the hospital. Two large diesel tanks on separate trucks were ruptured spilling over 200 gallons of diesel fuel onto the highway. The wet roadway and fuel made for some very slick conditions over a large area. None of the trucks could be moved either due to damage or being stuck. Busy traffic on I-95 quickly backed up and within 30 minutes northbound vehicles were at a standstill five miles behind the accident. Firefighters responded to Exit 62 to set up a detour and diverted northbound traffic to Jefferies Hwy (US Hwy 15). SC Highway Patrol, the Sheriff’s Deputies and SCDOT assisted with detouring the traffic for over five hours until the accident and spilled fuel could be cleared from the Interstate. SCDHEC representatives also responded to the scene.

Engine 1, Engine 26, Medic 1, Medic 26, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded. Asst. Chief David Greene served as incident Commander.