Truck Hauling 6,000 Pounds of Uranium Overturns on North Carolina Highway

BENSON, N.C. — A tractor-trailer hauling about 6,000 pounds of low-grade uranium overturned Thursday as it exited Interstate 95 in Johnston County, North Carolina, authorities said.

The truck crashed onto its side while exiting onto Interstate 40, said Jason Barbour, the county's 911 director. One of two people in the truck suffered minor injuries, and no other vehicles were involved, he said.

Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Everett Clendenin said the truck was carrying Type A radioactive material.

"There's no threat to the public," Clendenin said. "It's a low grade uranium."

The accident happened around 9 p.m. and closed the exit ramp. Clendenin said the ramp should be open by Friday morning.