Crews clean up tanker wreck

BLAIRSVILLE - All lanes of U.S. 129, south of Blairsville were re-opened as of 4:15 p.m. Tuesday after being partially blocked for hours. A straight tanker truck overturned Tuesday morning, causing traffic snags throughout the day.

The wreck occurred near Georgia 11, North of Vogel State Park.

D.O.T. spokeswoman Terri Pope said final cleanup had been expected by about 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, clearing earlier than expected.

Troopers said the cab of the truck was damaged by fire, creating a hazard with the load contents, liquid oxygen. The tank was drained during the course of the clean-up.

State troopers from the Blue Ridge Post identified the truck's driver as 38 year old Jack Butler. A helicopter lifted Butler from the scene to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. Troopers didn't immediatly know the extent of Butler's injuries or his city of residence.

Butler told authorities his brakes went out before the wreck. Troopers said the truck belongs to Holox in Norcross.

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