A tanker truck carrying thousands of gallons of liquid chocolate overturned in Greene County, Tennessee, creating an unusually hazardous situation that mobilized local emergency responders and transportation officials. The driver of the vehicle sustained serious injuries in the accident and was immediately transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment, according to state troopers at the scene.
Emergency response and cleanup
Greene County first responders quickly arrived at the scene to address the hazardous spill. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is actively working to manage traffic flow and minimize disruptions while crews tackle the massive chocolate cleanup operation. As a safety precaution, the affected roadway remains closed to traffic.
Recent history of tanker incidents
This incident adds to a series of recent tanker-related accidents in Tennessee. In November, a similar incident occurred near Erwin when a 2021 Peterbilt semi-truck carrying milk crashed into a concrete barrier on Interstate 26. While that driver escaped uninjured, the accident resulted in a complete closure of the interstate’s two lanes.
A more tragic incident occurred in February when a collision between a car and a tanker resulted in two fatalities. According to the accident report, the car was attempting a left turn off the highway when it was struck by an oncoming fuel tanker. The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Critical Incident Response Team, which typically investigates accidents involving multiple fatalities, was called to reconstruct the scene and determine the exact cause of the collision.
The chocolate tanker incident highlights the ongoing challenges of transporting liquid cargo on Tennessee’s highways and the importance of emergency preparedness in responding to such specialized situations. Officials continue to monitor the cleanup efforts and assess any environmental impact from the spill.
