AIKEN, S.C. () – NewsChannel 6 is gathering the latest details on a crash involving an 18-wheeler that sent one person to the hospital.
It happened Tuesday on I-20 off Exit 22, near the McDonalds and Waffle House on Highway 1.
While South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to heed the warnings they have in place.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office was one of several agencies on the scene for a type of crash law enforcement says rarely occurs.
“I recall when we experienced the train derailment years ago. However, incidents like this aren’t something we encounter on a weekly basis,” stated Major Jason Griffin.
According to the Highway Patrol, the 2024 Freightliner was traveling east on I-20 when it veered off the left side of the road near Exit 22, eventually crashing between the two bridges that accompany the Highway 1 interchange.
Aiken County EMA, Aiken County Hazmat, SC Highway Patrol, SCDOT and others then came to support the Sheriff’s Office.
“Typically, law enforcement is the first to arrive at these scenes. However, there are times when the fire department might beat us there. Once it’s determined that there is not just a traffic accident, but possibly hazardous materials involved too, that’s when the necessary resources really start to expand,” said Griffin.
The hazardous material in the truck was identified as methyl acetate, a highly flammable substance used in lacquers and paint thinner and to make pharmaceuticals, but the spill did not cause any harm.
While Highway Patrol is investigating, The Sheriff’s Office has detours on Highway 1 at East Frontage Road and Fulmer Road, and are urging the public to heed the warnings.
“When you get to these detours, again just be patient. We’ll get you where you need to go methodically and as safe as possible to try to get the problem mitigated. Safety is obviously the most important thing for everybody out there on the roads,” said Griffin.
South Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating exactly what caused that truck to veer off I-20.
Meanwhile the driver was taken to the hospital, but there are no updates on her conditions or injuries.
She is also not facing any charges at this time.
Count on NewsChannel 6 to bring you the latest as soon as it becomes available.
