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| The accident involving a truck carrying a radioactive uranium compound happened along the I-95 in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at around 11.30 am. March 31st, 2021. The Sun |
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Radiation Fears: Truck carrying radioactive uranium compound crashes in North Carolina
The Sun
March 31, 2021
Area: Raleigh, Durham (Fayetvlle)
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, North Carolina - A truck carrying a radioactive uranium compound crashed on Wednesday as drivers were evacuated from the area, reports say.
The accident happened along the I-95 in Cumberland County at around 11.30am initially blocking off all lanes of traffic, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed.
There were no injuries in the crash.
The truck was reportedly carrying uranium hexafluoride, which can be used to make fuel for nuclear power plants.
Radiation from the chemical is said to present minimal risk to transport workers, emergency response personnel, and the public during transportation accidents.
According to WNCN, the tractor-trailer overturned near Exit 58 but the cause of the crash is unknown.
Two of the four 1,000-gallon containers of uranium hexafluoride the truck was carrying fell off as it overturned.
Officers told WTVD that the compound is not leaking but they are worried about wind direction.
�This is not a hazardous waste cleanup," the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced.
"The tractor-trailer crashed and turned over, on it�s side. It was hauling uranium, however.
"We are proceeding to get equipment in place to right-side the tractor-trailer, then haul it away, off the interstate and reopen it," it added.
Highway Patrol said it is at the scene and moving drivers from the location as the I-95 remains shut down.
"[They're] formulating a plan for cleanup and removal of those containers safely out of the highway," Gene Booth, Cumberland County's emergency management director, told WRAL.
He added that hazmat teams were called in to access whether the uranium hexafluoride can remain in the containers or need to be transferred to other containers
Highway Patrol said a detour is in place for drivers but northbound lanes had reopened as of 3pm.
WRAL reports that the truck was operated by Hittman Transport Service based in Tennessee.
According to U.S. Department of Transportation record, the company has a good safety record.
Records show it has five citations for hazardous materials issues since March 2019.
Only one of these involved failure to comply with regulations.
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