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Overturned tractor-trailer halts Old 64
The accident, which occurred south of Clay's Corner, was witnessed by several people according to Anthony Ellis, a deputy with the Clay County Sheriff's Office.Ellis said that the tractor-trailer slowed nearly to a stop as the vehicle was unable to negotiate the curve, causing its right rear tires to drop off the shoulder of the road. The trailer's bed turned upside-down as a result of the weight of the load of lumber it was hauling, pushing it off the road. J.D. Robinson, Brasstown Volunteer Fire Department chief, reported that the driver of the tractor-trailer was not taken to the hospital at his request but instead received medical attention at the scene. Shortly before the accident occurred the tractor-trailer's driver had pulled out in front of traffic near Remax Oak Forest Realty on U.S. 64 East in Hayesville and caused two other vehicles to veer off the roadway in order to avoid a collision, according to Investigator Skip Mulkey. Robinson said that initial calls to the Brasstown Volunteer Fire Department warned of leaking oil and engine smoke. As firefightersarrived they found oil flowing downhill from the tractor-trailer's cab (which was on its side) in the direction of Brasstown Creek. However, no sign of flames or smoke was found at the scene. "First thing we want to do is contain the spill," Robinson said after cutting a trench into the ground to collect the leaking oil. "Now we want to mop it up and mitigate the situation." Working his way back from the trench to the source of the spill, Robinson utilized oil-absorbant pads to soak up the stream of oil. The situation, he said, could have threatened the creek if heavier rains had been falling at the time of the accident. However, he said, the drizzle enabled emergency crews to protect the creek.
To comment on this article, e-mail Harrison at hkeely@gmail. com.
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