Overturned truck knocks down sign on I-285, southbound lanes reopened

Tank crash and spill on I-285

The latest from the scene of a tanker crash and spill along I-285 near E. Ponce De Leon as of 5 p.m. on April 12, 2021.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - All southbound lanes on Interstate 285 in DeKalb County were closed after a major accident for about 8 hours on Monday. They have since reopened.

According to DeKalb County Fire Rescue, a tanker truck overturned and knocked down an overhead highway sign, spilling diesel fuel in the road. Officials said the driver was able to escape from the cab of the truck, but paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital.

"He's really lucky that it didn't explode because he was carrying 7500 gallons of diesel fuel," said DeKalb County Fire Battalion Chief Kennetth McKinney.

All southbound lanes on Interstate 285 in DeKalb County after a major accident.

The crash happened around 10 a.m. Shortly after noon, the Georgia Department of Transportation urged motorists to use alternate routes to avoid delays.

DeKalb County Police said traffic is being diverted onto E. Ponce de Leon Avenue towards Glendale Road and down Northern Avenue. Once on Memorial Drive, traffic can re-enter I-285 south, police said. Crews are working to clear the roadway of the fuel spill, according to officials.