Aiken, South Carolina, September 4, 2025
News Summary
An overturned tanker carrying used motor oil on I-20 Eastbound in Aiken, South Carolina, caused a major traffic disruption. The incident, which occurred near Exit 22, resulted in road closures and cleanup efforts by emergency services, including a Hazmat team. Motorists were advised to take detours while responders managed the hazardous spill. Thankfully, no severe injuries were reported, and the highway was reopened later in the day, restoring normal traffic flow.
Aiken, South Carolina – Overturned Tanker Causes Closure on I-20 Eastbound
All lanes of I-20 Eastbound were closed due to an overturned tanker near Exit 22 in Aiken, South Carolina. The incident occurred around 12:30 PM on September 3, 2025, causing significant disruptions in traffic.
The crash site is located near US Highway 1-Columbia Highway North, close to Aiken Municipal Airport. The tanker, which was believed to be carrying approximately 2,400 gallons of used motor oil, experienced a leak onto the highway, prompting authorities to act swiftly to manage the situation.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office advised drivers to avoid the area, highlighting that the eastbound on-ramp would also be closed. Motorists heading to Columbia were directed to take Wire Road as a recommended detour. Fortunately, the westbound lanes of I-20 remained unaffected by the incident, allowing some traffic flow in that direction.
Witness reports indicated that a red pickup truck came into contact with the tanker, causing it to roll over into the median. A fellow driver, described as a truck driver, assisted the trapped tanker driver by breaking the window and applying a makeshift tourniquet to an injury before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Initial assessments by emergency responders noted that at least 100 gallons of oil had spilled onto the roadway by 12:35 PM. To effectively address the hazardous situation, a hazardous materials (Hazmat) team was called to the scene, alongside the Aiken County Hazmat unit and the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
Authorities worked diligently throughout the afternoon, and as of 6:11 PM on the same day, officials announced that the roadway had been reopened to traffic after successfully managing the incident and clearing the hazards associated with the spill.
Incident Overview and Traffic Impact
The overturned tanker incident significantly impacted traffic flow along I-20 Eastbound. The closure initiated a safety protocol that involved law enforcement and hazardous materials specialists to ensure public safety. The chosen detour routes facilitated alternate paths for motorists, minimizing congestion and safety risks further along the highway.
Response to the Incident
Emergency response teams were activated promptly following the accident. The quick actions of witnesses and the coordination of local emergency services were crucial in mitigating further injury and environmental damage. Hazardous materials management is a vital component of such incidents, emphasizing the need for preparedness in handling truck rollover accidents involving hazardous cargo.
Background on Tanker Transport Regulations
Tanker trucks play an essential role in transporting various liquids across the nation. However, their operation is heavily regulated, especially when transporting hazardous materials like used motor oil. Regulatory agencies stress the importance of proper training and compliance with safety standards to prevent accidents. Events like the one in Aiken serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and the need for effective emergency response protocols.
Conclusion
While the incident resulted in temporary road closures and significant safety concerns, the coordinated response by local authorities and emergency responders ensured that the situation was handled efficiently. Motorists should remain aware of traffic updates and plan their routes accordingly in the event of future highway incidents.
FAQ
What caused the closure of I-20 Eastbound in Aiken?
An overturned tanker truck, which was carrying used motor oil, caused the closure of I-20 Eastbound at Exit 22 due to an oil spill onto the highway.
What was the response to the tanker incident?
Emergency responders, including a Hazmat team and local law enforcement, managed the incident, working to contain the oil spill and ensure public safety.
When was the roadway reopened?
The eastbound lanes of I-20 were reopened at around 6:11 PM on the same day after the situation was managed and hazards cleared.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Tanker Flips Over Closing Eastbound I-20 Aiken County
- Wikipedia: Tanker Truck
- WJBF: I-20 Eastbound Lanes Closed in SC at Exit 22 Due to Crash
- Google Search: Tanker truck accidents
- WBTV: Bridge Collapses Over Highway South Carolina after Fiery Tanker Crash
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
