All lanes of I-85 North and South remain closed between Exits 87 and 118 after a tractor trailer carrying explosives overturned around 7 a.m. near Archdale in Randolph County.
Emergency officials say the truck, owned by Orica USA Inc., was hauling ammonium nitrate slurry and blasting caps. Authorities say the truck also spilled diesel fuel into the woods.
Several buildings and homes within 1/2 mile of the intersection of Archdale Road and I-85 were evacuated as a precaution.
Superintendent of Randolph County Schools, Donald Andrews says he was stuck in the traffic tie-up this morning when authorities called to evacuate nearby Trindale Elementary. The students were transferred to Archdale Elementary.
He says staff turned the emergency situation into a learning opportunity.
“It can be a science lesson as far as explosives and those types of things, as well as being able to move children and doing things to make safety as a top priority," says Andrews.
Andrew added, "Even children have to understand how serious how things can be in the sense that when you are directed to do something by professionals like that you obviously have to do that because if you don't you are putting yourself in harm’s way.”
EMS officials say the driver of the truck was pinned in the vehicle and was airlifted to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The driver’s condition is not known at this time.
A hazmat team from Charlotte is also assisting in cleaning up the explosive materials and crash site.
A revised detour now has northbound traffic being sent onto Business 85 North at Exit 87 in Davidson County, while southbound motorists continue to be diverted off the highway at Exit 118 onto Business 85 South in Guilford County.
