By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

An overturned fuel tanker truck caused hours of traffic congestion for both sides of Interstate 65 on Jan. 1.

The single-vehicle accident occurred around 4 a.m. by the 214 mile marker, forcing both directions to close and issuing a detour between Exits 212 and 219, according to John McWilliams of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) West Central Region.

No one was injured.

First responders and a hazmat team arrived on scene, ALDOT ultimately taking charge around 11 a.m.

McWilliams said the scene was cleared by 2:30 p.m., delayed by the tedious project of disassembling tanker parts due to leaking. The fuel was unloaded to aid in returning the tanker to an upright position.

The hazmat crew determined the leak was minor but required proper attention, according to McWilliams.

A cause to the toppling of the truck has not been released.

“[We’re] really thankful that it was just one vehicle, and no one was injured,” McWilliams said.