Truck crash sent fuel and oil into Lake Norman

Truck crash sent fuel and oil into Lake Norman

Posted on 03 February 2010.

FireCalls A tractor-trailer accident on I-77 southbound near Exit 30 on Saturday released gasoline and engine oil into Lake Norman, requiring a cleanup, according to a fire department report following the crash. The crash, which came during the weekend snowstorm, tied up traffic on I-77 for hours. Also over the past week, firefighters responded to a variety of other medical and fire calls.

Saturday’s truck crash came around 1:20 p.m., on the causeway between lakes Norman and Davidson, near the beginning of the I-77 southbound Exit 30 ramp. A fire department report afterward said the tractor-trailer belonged to McCormack Trucking Co., and was carrying U.S. mail.

The truck swerved on the ice pavement and struck the right guardrail. About 40 feet of guardrail were removed in the crash. The truck cab came to rest on the causeway embankment at water’s edge, with the trailer blocking both southbound lanes.

The report said about 35 gallons of diesel fuel and undetermined amount of engine oil discharged into Lake Norman in the crash. Cornelius firefighters also responded and worked to contain the spill. The report said the spill was contained by the lake water current.

The truck’s driver, who was unhurt in the crash, was asked to notify his company about the need to clean up the spill. Emergency crews also notified Mecklenburg County environmental officials.

The crash took several hours to clean up. Two wreckers were needed to remove the tractor-trailer.

FIRE & EMERGENCY CALLS

THURSDAY, JAN. 28, 11:40 am, 243 Pinecrest St. – Firefighters responded to a report of a cut 2-inch gas line in the front yard. Nearby homes were checked for gas with a meter, but no gas found. Davidson officials requested Cornelius-Lemley Fire Department to respond with their gas clamp. Cornelius firefighters attached the clamp and controlled the leak. Davidson crews remained on scene for cleanup.

SATURDAY, JAN. 30, 1:22 p.m., I-77 Southbound just north of Exit 30 – Davidson, Cornelius and Mount Mourne fire companies along with Medic 54 responded to the report of a truck crash. Nobody was hurt. Details above and in our Saturday report, “Truck accident closes I-77 near Exit 30″

SATURDAY, JAN. 30, 5:50 p.m., 101 Martin Court, Davidson College – Burning popcorn in a microwave oven set off a smoke alarm.

SUNDAY, JAN. 31, 2:55 p.m., Davidson-Concord Road – Motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, Davidson firefighters were informed no further assistance was required.

MONDAY, FEB. 1, 3:28 p.m., 19802 Oak Leaf Circle, off Catawba Avenue, Cornelius – Davidson Fire Department was dispatched with Cornelius firefighters for a report of a smell of gas in a single family residence. All Davidson units were canceled.

MEDICAL CALLS, JAN. 27-FEB. 3

Following are the medical calls Davidson Fire Department responded to last week. The department says patient privacy laws prohibit public release of addresses or other details.