Three passengers riding in the bed of a pickup truck were transported for medical attention on Feb. 19 after a collision with another vehicle on Interstate 65 at mile marker 208.

“The truck had three people in the front and three in the bed,” Captain David Clackley of the Clanton Police Department said.

Two of the truck bed occupants were airlifted by helicopter for their injuries, the third truck occupant and the driver of the other vehicle were transported by ambulance.

The pickup, which was hauling torn-off roofing shingles, slung its cargo onto the interstate when it rolled over, according to police.

A “lengthy clean up” of the many roofing nails scattered across both lanes required I-65 S. to shut down at the 212 mile marker, according to a Chilton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post informing drivers of the expected delays.

There is no law in Alabama prohibiting passengers riding in cargo areas, as many rural workers find it necessary, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Nonetheless, passengers can be encouraged to practice the utmost caution when the need to do so arises.