Aiken, September 4, 2025
News Summary
An overturned tanker truck carrying 2,400 gallons of used motor oil closed eastbound I-20 near Aiken for most of Wednesday. The driver lost control after a collision with a pickup truck, resulting in a hazardous spill. First responders and bystanders helped rescue the trapped driver, who sustained arm injuries. The highway reopened later in the evening after environmental assessments were conducted, but traffic disruptions were significant due to the detours established to manage the incident.
Aiken, SC – Overturned Tanker Causes Traffic Shutdown on I-20
Eastbound Interstate 20 was closed for most of Wednesday near Aiken due to an overturned tanker truck carrying approximately 2,400 gallons of used motor oil. The highway reopened at around 6:09 p.m. after the tanker was uprighted and state environmental officials completed their assessment of the scene.
The accident took place at approximately 12:30 p.m. near Mile Marker 22. Eyewitness accounts state that a red pickup truck in the right lane made contact with the tanker, leading to the driver losing control of the vehicle and rolling over into the median. Initial reports indicated that one person was trapped inside the tanker, but that individual was able to free themselves with assistance from bystanders.
A truck driver, who witnessed the incident, acted quickly by breaking the tanker’s window to help rescue the trapped driver, who sustained injuries to their arm. The witness utilized their belt as a tourniquet to address the bleeding and moved the injured driver away from the leaking oil. By 12:35 p.m., first responders reported that at least 100 gallons of motor oil had leaked from the tanker, prompting a request for a hazardous materials team to manage the spill.
In response to the spill and ongoing safety concerns, a detour was established, redirecting eastbound drivers toward Columbia to re-enter the interstate at Wire Road. The on-ramp at Mile Marker 22 was subsequently closed to facilitate emergency operations.
Traffic Impact and History of Incidents
The overturned tanker significantly disrupted traffic flow in the region. Drivers heading east were forced to find detours, leading to delays as the hazardous materials team worked to contain the spill and clear the area.
The section of Interstate 20 between Augusta and the Aiken airport has been noted as a trouble spot for big-rig accidents, especially those involving tankers. Previous incidents in this area have also resulted in notable traffic interruptions, raising ongoing safety concerns for both motorists and local authorities.
Conclusion
While the highway has reopened, safety officials will continue to monitor this stretch of I-20 to prevent future accidents. The timely response from first responders and bystanders played a crucial role in mitigating potential injuries and damage from the incident.
FAQs
What caused the tanker to overturn?
The tanker overturned after making contact with a red pickup truck, resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
How much oil leaked from the tanker?
Initial reports confirmed that at least 100 gallons of used motor oil leaked from the tanker following the accident.
Were there any injuries reported?
Yes, the driver of the tanker suffered injuries to their arm but was rescued by a bystander who administered first aid.
What detours were put in place for drivers?
Eastbound drivers were directed to exit at Wire Road to bypass the closed section of the interstate.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Eastbound I-20, near Aiken, SC |
| Incident Time | 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday |
| Reopening Time | 6:09 p.m. on Wednesday |
| Volume of Oil | 2,400 gallons of used motor oil |
| Oil Leaked | At least 100 gallons |
| Assistance Required | Hazardous materials team |
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Tanker Flips Over Closing Eastbound I-20 Aiken County
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WJBF: Aiken County Traffic Accident with Hazardous Materials Causes Detour
- Google Search: Aiken Tanker Accident
- Post and Courier: Wreck Tanker Oil Spill I-20 Aiken Truck
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation Traffic
- WFXG: Bridge Deemed Total Loss After Fuel Truck Crash on I-20 in Aiken County
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.
