A truck driver in North Carolina is lucky to be alive after an explosive accident. The driver flipped near popular neighborhoods while hauling a load of mining explosives. The situation ignited a quick response by police officers and firefighters. 

Truck driver with explosives flips in Rowan County, NC 

Police officers and firefighters sprang into action after receiving reports of an overturned truck, filled with explosives. The Rockwell Rural Fire Department shared that the truck flipped in the 1300 block of High Rock Road near the Gold Hill community. 

The truck driver was carrying a load of ammonia nitrate when he suddenly flipped. According to Yahoo, the vehicle belongs to Orica USA, Inc. It owns a facility by the road. 

Reportedly, the mining explosives company explained that there is no fire danger or no immediate danger to the public. Luckily, the driver wasn’t injured during the single vehicle crash. 

The emulsion materials being transported can’t detonate on their own. They require a specific and planned sequence of events and materials to initiate a detention. 

Police officers closed nearby roads and redirected traffic as crews cleaned things up. A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents and businesses located within a mile radius of the truck. 

The order was a purely precautionary measure that was lifted once the area was determined to be safe. Traffic was backed up for hours due to the closures. 

However, the semi-truck was turned upright and towed away as debris was cleared. The cause of the wreck isn’t exactly clear but Orica representatives remained on site to work closely with emergency responders.