In an unusual incident in Moundville, Alabama, a truck driver is facing charges for dumping a large quantity of aviation fuel on the roads. This happened on March 13 when Alphonso Terry, Jr., decided to release jet fuel from his tanker instead of driving to the designated dump site in Mississippi.
The big picture: Terry was turned away at a local fuel depot because he had leftover fuel, which wasn't allowed to be mixed with new stock. The solution required driving to Mississippi, but Terry allegedly took a different and unlawful route.
- He let the fuel spill over a five-mile stretch, affecting roads including Johnson Street and Powers Loop/County Road 21.
- Multiple agencies, including environmental and hazmat teams, worked to clean the area and prevent fuel from contaminating local waterways.
What they're saying: Hale County EMA Director Russ Weeden assured that no fuel reached the waterways, thanks to immediate action. “They’re working hard to get it off the roadway before the rain comes," Weeden noted.
Terry faces five counts of Reckless Endangerment and one count of Criminal Mischief, with potential additional charges waiting, reported WBRC.
Thankfully, no one was injured, and the surrounding community was kept safe from water contamination.