Highway 75 reopens after overturned tanker spurs HazMat response - Now Habersham

A tanker truck overturned on Highway 75 North at the intersection of Clayton Road in White County Tuesday morning, prompting a hazardous materials operation and the evacuation of nearby residents and businesses.

The accident occurred at approximately 6:07 a.m., according to White County 911 Communications. The tractor-trailer, operated by The Cashion Company Inc. of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, was carrying approximately 33,000 pounds of isopropyl alcohol, a flammable substance. According to the White County Emergency The truck was on it ways to Cleveland, Tennessee, when it crashed,

No injuries were reported from the accident. However, a 1,000-foot safety perimeter was established around the scene, and residents and businesses within the radius were evacuated as a precaution. The CodeRED system and door-to-door notifications by firefighters were used to alert the public.

Traffic on Highway 75 North was diverted to Highway 75 Alternate and north on Richard Russell Scenic Highway. The road was fully reopened at 3:15 p.m.

While there were no environmental damages, the incident required a coordinated effort from multiple agencies, including the Helen Police Department, Helen Fire Department, White County Fire Services, White County Emergency Management, and White County Sheriff’s Office. Additional support was provided by neighboring counties and state agencies.

The Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Motor Carrier Compliance Division are investigating the cause of the accident.