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Raleigh Beltline Tanker Crash and Fire

Submitted by: Lee Wilson, CFP-702

Wake County

RALEIGH - The Raleigh Fire Department, assisted by various county units, responded to an overturned, fully-loaded gasoline tanker fire on the Raleigh Beltline early Tuesday morning. The driver was seriously injured, and was assisted away from the wreckage by by-standers.

The single vehicle collision occurred at approximately 00:35. The rig was proceeding on Interstate 40 westbound approaching the beltline between Jones Sausage Road and Rock Quarry Road. Eyewitnesses report the truck was traveling at a high rate of speed and overturned while negoiating the curve. The truck and trailer came to rest on the shoulder of the normally busy highway.

The Garner Fire Department was initially dispatched to Interstate 40 and 440. While responding, Garner requested Raleigh Engine 10 be dispatched to the call.

RWECC reported that they were receiving multiple calls and could see the crash on traffic cameras located in the center.

Engine 10 arrived first and reported a working fire involving a tanker.

Traffic was diverted by Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh Police and State Highway Patrol.

Commanders determined the best course of action was to let the tanker burn. Some foam application was done later in the incident.

A water point was established on Rock Quarry Road near I-40.

See additional photos at Lee’s Flickr site.

Responding Units:

Raleigh E10 E12 E2 E7 L26 R19 BC2 C5 C1 C2 SR2

Wake County WC1

Wake County EMS: 2 units, Truck 1, District 1

Garner, Eastern Wake, New Hope, Western Wake, Swift Creek fire departments.

Primary Agency: Raleigh Fire Department