Overturned tractor trailer may cause major commuter headache at Augusta Road and I-26 Wednesday morn

West Columbia, SC (Paul Kirby) – Police, EMS, and fire units from the City of West Columbia and Lexington County were dispatched to an overturned tractor trailer at I-26 and the Augusta Road interchange just before 5:00 a.m. Wednesday. This accident could cause major traffic delays for morning commuters.

According to Assistant Chief Scott Morrison with the West Columbia Police department, two ramps are closed. These are the west exit ramp toward Lexington and the West on ramp toward Greenville.

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Police and firefighters on scene reported a small amount of diesel fuel leaked from the truck’s fuel tank and ran into nearby grass. Firefighters requested Lexington County respond with their closest hazardous materials unit with additional oil and fuel absorbent. West Columbia’s personnel were already applying that to the spill from their supply. The truck’s driver informed emergency personnel that his tanks were low, and he was exiting the interstate to fuel up.

West Columbia police supervisors began requesting a heavy wrecker almost immediately because of the fast approaching morning commute. They also requested troopers from the SCHP provide assistance in closing the ramps and directing people to bypass exits so no additional traffic would accumulate on the interstate.

We will continue to update this situation as more details become available.