Cashiers, North Carolina – An overturned hazardous materials truck caused a prolonged shutdown of U.S. 64 in Jackson County on Wednesday morning, disrupting traffic in and around the Cashiers area for most of the day. State troopers and transportation officials confirmed the incident involved a commercial vehicle carrying hazardous materials, prompting safety protocols and an extended road closure.
According to authorities, the crash occurred during the morning commute and required specialized crews to secure the scene, assess risks, and safely manage the overturned truck.
Incident Overview
The incident involved a hazmat truck overturning on U.S. 64 near Rhody Lane in Jackson County. Due to the nature of the cargo, emergency responders treated the situation as a potential public safety risk, even though no immediate injuries were reported.
Traffic was halted in both directions as crews worked to stabilize the vehicle and prevent environmental contamination. The closure affected one of the primary roadways serving the Cashiers community, a popular mountain destination known for limited alternate routes.
Timeline of Events
State officials reported that the crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Emergency response teams were dispatched shortly after the incident was reported.
By mid-morning, transportation officials confirmed that the road would remain closed for several hours. Cleanup and recovery operations were projected to continue throughout the day, with reopening not expected until the late afternoon.
The extended timeline was attributed to the complexity of handling a vehicle transporting hazardous materials and the need to ensure roadway and environmental safety before reopening traffic lanes.
Details From Troopers and Officials
North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers confirmed the closure and emphasized the precautionary measures being taken.
“Due to the hazardous materials involved, crews are taking extra time to ensure the scene is safe before reopening the roadway,” a trooper said at the scene.
An alert issued through the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Traffic Incident Management System indicated that U.S. 64 was closed at Rhody Lane, with motorists advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. The official alert was published through the NCDOT TIMS system, which provides real-time updates on major roadway incidents.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Location: U.S. 64 near Rhody Lane, Jackson County
- City: Cashiers, North Carolina
- Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Time of crash: Around 7:30 a.m.
- Expected clearance: Approximately 5:00 p.m.
- Vehicle involved: Hazardous materials truck
- Injuries reported: None confirmed as of latest update
Impact on Traffic and Community
The closure significantly affected local traffic, especially for residents, workers, and visitors traveling through the Cashiers area. U.S. 64 serves as a critical connector in the region, and detours in mountainous terrain are often lengthy and limited.
Local businesses and delivery services also faced delays, as commercial traffic was forced to reroute or suspend travel until the roadway reopened. Emergency services coordinated closely to maintain access to nearby areas during the shutdown.
Hazmat Incidents and Public Safety
Hazardous material truck incidents require a higher level of response than standard traffic crashes. Even when spills are not immediately visible, crews must verify that containers are intact and that no harmful substances have leaked into nearby soil or waterways.
Officials stressed that extended closures are common in such cases, as safety inspections and cleanup procedures cannot be rushed without increasing risk to responders and the public.
Drivers encountering similar situations are advised to follow detour instructions, avoid restricted zones, and rely on official transportation alerts for accurate updates.
Conclusion
The overturned hazmat truck on U.S. 64 near Cashiers highlights the challenges of managing hazardous material incidents on major roadways, particularly in mountainous regions with limited access. Thanks to coordinated response efforts, no injuries were reported, though the incident caused hours of disruption.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions and ensure the roadway is safe before reopening to traffic.
If you were affected by the closure or encountered traffic delays in the area, share your experiences in the comments below.
