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Overturned semi carrying ammonium nitrate cause of Douglas County evacs

By and
Updated  May 30, 2025 11:24am EDT
Douglas County
FOX 5 Atlanta
Overturned truck in Douglas County evacuations

Overturned truck in Douglas County evacuations

A semi-truck carrying ammonium nitrate and blasting caps overturned in Douglas County, prompting the evacuation of 40 to 50 homes, on Friday morning.

The Brief

    • A semi-truck carrying ammonium nitrate and blasting caps overturned in Douglas County, prompting the evacuation of 40 to 50 homes.
    • The truck, owned by industrial explosives company Dyno Nobel, overturned after the driver reportedly over-corrected and landed in a ditch.
    • The scene, located on Wilson Road near Highway 5, has been cleared and residents have been allowed to return; no injuries were reported.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - An overturned semi-truck carrying hazardous materials forced dozens of evacuations Friday morning in Douglas County, but officials now say the scene is clear and conditions are returning to normal.

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Photo by Kevyn Stewart/FOX 5 Atlanta

What we know:

According to Douglas County Fire Department, the truck belonged to Dyno Nobel, an industrial and mining explosives manufacturer. The chief said the driver appeared to have over-corrected, causing the vehicle to overturn and land in a ditch.

The truck was hauling ammonium nitrate mixed with an emulsifier and blasting caps, materials considered dangerous enough to warrant immediate evacuations. County officials ordered residents and businesses within a half-mile radius of the crash site to evacuate as a precaution. In total, approximately 40 to 50 homes were impacted.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. Friday on Wilson Road, between Highway 5 and Tyree Road. The road was closed in both directions for several hours as emergency crews worked to secure the area. The fire department also said the truck was not supposed to be on that road.

RAW: Douglas County Fire interview

RAW: Douglas County Fire interview

Interview with Douglas County Fire Department chief about overturned semi-truck carrying ammonium nitrate and blasting caps that resulted in an evacuation on Friday morning.

Authorities designated Dog River Library at 6100 Highway 5 as a temporary evacuation center and urged residents to avoid the area until it was deemed safe. 

No injuries were reported.

It is unclear when the incident occurred, but the county’s post was made on Facebook shortly after 8 a.m.

FOX 5 Atlanta has a crew en route to the scene and will update this story as more information becomes available.

This story is breaking. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.

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