Just before 4 p.m. Friday, a propane truck traveling south on Glendon-Carthage Road, just past Old Glendon Road, ran off the side of the road, over-corrected and slid off the opposite side of the road causing it to overturn into a cow pasture.
The accident occurred just a few miles outside of Carthage.
Hunters taking a break in their trucks witnessed the accident and immediately called 911. Due to the dangerous circumstances of propane leaking from the truck, they chose to stay back and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
When units arrived, there was a large cloud of propane vapor surrounding the truck. Hazmat was initially called but later canceled after crews were able to stop the propane leak.
Firefighters had to use a thermal imaging camera to locate the driver who was the only occupant inside the cab. He was conscious and alert at the time.
The driver told personnel that he had just filled the truck up for his final run to chicken houses and that there were approximately 2,200 gallons of propane in the tank at 90% capacity.
He was transported to the field at the veteran’s memorial in Carthage to be flown to a trauma center, but the helicopter broke down. Since his injuries were minor and non-life-threatening, he was transported to Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
Traffic was diverted onto Brady Road and Old Glendon Road while crews removed the truck and cleared the scene.
Highway Patrol was on scene investigating the accident.
Responding to the scene were Carthage Fire and Rescue, Pocket Fire Department from Lee County, Moore County Public Safety, Moore County EMS, Moore County Sheriff’s Department, and N.C. State Highway Patrol.
Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Daniel Gwyn.
