Tuesday afternoon roll-over blocks Wells roadway

WELLS – Police remain on the scene of an 18-wheeler rollover in Wells, as hazmat crews clean spilled diesel from an 18-wheeler that turned over June 3 on West First Street.

The accident occurred after 3 p.m. Tuesday when the vehicle – which assistant Wells VFD Chief Robert Kalka said was hauling a large, round metal cylinder believed to weigh approximately 100,000 pounds – attempted to make a turn when the load’s weight tipped.

The vehicle had left US Highway 69, with the driver headed out to FM 1247 to drive a recommended route for truck traffic, Kalka said.

The unidentified driver was taken by ambulance to a Lufkin hospital for treatment. The drivers of pilot vehicles traveling with the 18-wheeler were not involved in the accident, Kalka said. 

As of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, West First Street remained closed, with Wells Police directing traffic around the site of the accident.