Washington, NC (January 24, 2026) – Authorities in Washington are investigating a crash involving a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) truck that led to a diesel spill and injuries. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday on U.S. 264 near U.S. 17. According to Captain Phil Rollinson of the Washington Police Department, the crash happened when a car struck the saddle tank beneath the cab of an NCDOT truck, causing it to rupture and spill diesel fuel onto the roadway. Cleanup efforts were extended due to the nature of the spill. The driver of the car was transported to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital for evaluation. Their current condition has not been released.
Key Details
- Location: Washington, NC
- Where: US 264 near US 17
- Type: Crash With Injuries and Diesel Spill Involving NCDOT Truck
- Reported: January 23, at 12:30 p.m.
- Injuries: Confirmed, one individual
- Responding Agency: Washington Police Department
What We Know So Far
- A car collided with an NCDOT truck’s saddle tank under the cab.
- The impact caused a diesel fuel spill on US 264 near US 17.
- The car’s driver was taken to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The driver’s current medical condition
- The total amount of diesel spilled
- Whether any environmental impact assessments were required
- The cause or contributing factors of the crash
Local Context
The intersection of US 264 and US 17 is a key traffic corridor near Washington, accommodating both commercial and commuter vehicles throughout the day. When collisions involve large service trucks like those operated by NCDOT, the impact can lead to hazardous material releases and extended cleanup timelines. Thursday’s crash required extra effort due to a diesel spill caused by the ruptured saddle tank. Emergency responders likely focused on containment and safety while ensuring the injured party received prompt medical care. Additional details may be shared as the investigation progresses.
What to Do Next
- If you were nearby during the incident, avoid the area of the spill until authorities confirm it is safe.
- Follow up with medical providers if you experience symptoms from exposure to diesel fumes or roadway hazards.
- Request the official crash report for documentation if your vehicle or travel was affected.
- Stay alert to traffic advisories if cleanup operations continue into fthe ollowing days.
FAQ
Q: What happens when a crash causes a diesel spill?
A: Crews work to contain the spill, prevent runoff into waterways, and safely clean the affected area before fully reopening the roadway.
Q: What does it mean when a truck’s saddle tank is ruptured?
A: A saddle tank is a side-mounted fuel tank. If it’s damaged in a crash, it can release large volumes of fuel quickly, posing environmental and fire hazards.
Q: How do officials determine whether a diesel spill poses health risks?
A: Environmental and hazmat crews assess spill volume, weather conditions, and nearby drainage systems to evaluate exposure risks and cleanup needs.
