Cargo Truck Explodes, Driver Dies, Interstate Closed

Alabama Tanker A cargo truck exploded on N.B. I-65 between Atmore and Flomaton. State Troopers have identified the driver as David Bentley of Greenville Alabama.

by Jamie Burch

Published: Mon, May 11, 2009 - 9:33 am CST Last Updated: Mon, May 11, 2009 - 2:35 pm CST

3:35 p.m.
- Troopers have reopened one lane of northbound I-65.

2:00 p.m.
- State Troopers have identified the driver as David Bentley of Greenville, Alabama

11:50 a.m.
- A cargo truck, hauling non hazardous materials, hit a guard rail, went down the embankment and into a creek. That's when the truck exploded.
- The driver was badly burned and was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Northbound lanes will be closed for a while.

11:39 a.m.
State Troopers diverting northbound traffic off I-65 at exit 57.

11:00 a.m.
- Northbound traffic is backed up 7 miles.

10:33 a.m.
A cargo truck exploded on N.B. I-65 at mile marker 64 between Atmore and Flomaton around 10:15 a.m.

The driver is trapped. Police have closed southbound lanes.

It is unknown what type of chemical the tanker truck is hauling.

News 5 has a crew on the way to the scene and will have more information on wkrg.com as soon as it becomes available.

News 5 first reported this story as BREAKING NEWS on wkrg.com.
Don't miss out on breaking news when you're at work or on the go. Sign up for News 5 Text Alerts that can be sent to your cell phone or PDA. News 5 can also send you breaking news alerts to your e-mail.

WKRG.com » News Stream » Alabama

Video
Photo
Map

Embed:

WKRG.com Related

News –› Alabama

News –› Atmore

News –› Flomaton

Discuss this in the forum

Email to a Friend

Printer Friendly

Download Video

Page 1 of 2 pages 1 2 >

sterangie Says:

Mon, May 11, 2009 at 7:36 pm

...Mom2four….....It is possible he lived down there at one time. My husband is asking their family members. If you know him you can private message me from this site.

mom2four Says:

Mon, May 11, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Just wondering if this is a David Bentley who used to live in Bayou La Batre.

sterangie Says:

Mon, May 11, 2009 at 12:25 pm

RNuts, thank you very much.

RNuts Says:

Mon, May 11, 2009 at 12:15 pm

sterangie

Yes, your family will be in my prayers. I feel that he is a good man and prevented others from being hurt during his crash.

I drove over the road for 10 years and always heard that truck driving was a dangerous job. Tire blowouts are bad news on a loaded truck. That is why it’s always important to not ride beside a truck.

sterangie Says:

Mon, May 11, 2009 at 11:49 am

This driver is my husband’s cousin. It is not a tanker. It’s a flatbed. He hauled materials for a recycling company here in Greenville. His tire blew out, causing the wreck, not a dozing and tired driver. He has a wife, children, including a little baby, so please pray for them. We have just now gotten the confirmation {that it was him} in the middle of me typing this.

mustuknow Says:

Mon, May 11, 2009 at 11:12 am

Agreed that was not a tanker, it appears to be a flatbed but I do not see the “truck” which makes me wonder how hot of a fire this was because usually there is something left of the cab….

mustuknow Says:

Mon, May 11, 2009 at 11:00 am

This is traggic. I am not saying this is the case, but ALL TOO OFTEN a lot of people DO NOT RESPECT the size of 18 wheelers and what it takes to stop one suddenly. My family owned a trucking company for many years and luckily we never had a driver involved in an accident that resulted in a fatality or injury to anyone but more than once we had trucks wrecked because someone pulled out in front of a driver and chose to take the ditch instead of hit someone and risk severely injuring them or killing them.

My deepest condolences to this man’s family and friends.

And next time you think you can beat that 18 wheeler that is coming down the road, DON’T!!! You are risking your life and theirs. JMO

RNuts Says:

Mon, May 11, 2009 at 10:55 am

That’s not a tanker.