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A tractor-trailer carrying ethanol overturned Friday morning in the Cabarrus County town of Midland, forcing evacuations of nearby residences and businesses, authorities say.
The truck wrecked about 9 a.m. in the 600 block of Garmon Mill Road, near Hopewell Church Road, about a mile southeast of the center of town. Midland is at the intersection of U.S. 601 and N.C. 24/27 (Albemarle Road), about 20 miles east of Charlotte.
The truck was carrying 8,000 gallons of ethanol, a highly flammable liquid that has a variety of industrial uses. Authorities say about 1,500 gallons seeped into the ground. The remainder was trapped in the tanker, then transferred to another truck.
Cabarrus County authorities say about 100 firefighters are at the scene, trying to clean the ethanol spill. They are wearing hazardous materials suits, and officials are working the firefighters in teams, so they don't get exhausted in the 80-degree, high-humidity conditions.
No injuries have been reported, but officials say evacuations were ordered. Authorities said they have tried to evacuate business and residences within a half-mile radius of the wreck.
Medic, Mecklenburg County's emergency medical service, has been called to help the Cabarrus County Fire Marshal's office. Medic officials say they have sent their mass casualty bus, plus 20 cases of IV fluids and a large quantity of ice.
“The mass casualty bus can provide an air-conditioned place for firefighters if needed,” said Kristin Young of Medic.
Jeff Keith, also of Medic, said emergency workers are administering fluids as needed to the firefighters.
