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SARDIS, Ohio -- A Texas truck driver suffered serious injuries late Monday night after a commercial tanker carrying hazardous material overturned on Ohio 255 in Monroe County, spilling a flammable substance and forcing the closure of nearby roadways.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 10:39 p.m. Tuesday near mile post 17 in Lee Township. Troopers from the St. Clairsville Post responded to reports of a commercial vehicle rollover and learned that the trailer was leaking “condensate,” a hazardous and flammable material.
Investigators said Ronnie Starling, 61, of Texas, was driving a 2005 Western Star 4900 semi southbound toward Sardis when the truck entered a left downhill curve. The vehicle overturned onto its right side, traveled through a guardrail and came to rest down an embankment. The trailer subsequently began leaking condensate.
Firefighters and emergency medical personnel rescued Starling from the wreckage before transporting him to Wetzel County Hospital in New Martinsville with serious injuries.
As a result of the spill, Ohio 255 and surrounding county roads in the immediate area were closed while crews responded and cleanup efforts began. Officials said no evacuations were ordered and there was no immediate risk to the public, although the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency continues to monitor the situation.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.