Johnston County Tanker Crash Leaves One Dead

CLAYTON, N.C. – A Selma man was killed at approximately 2:06 p.m. Monday when his tanker truck overturned on I-42 Eastbound, formerly the US 70 Clayton Bypass, in Johnston County.

Robert Lee Williams, 55, was driving a 2026 International truck hauling a tank trailer filled with animal waste eastbound near Ranch Road when he traveled off the roadway to the left. Troopers said he overcorrected while trying to return to the roadway, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said he was wearing a seatbelt.

Driver inattention and oversteering were listed as contributing factors. Speed and alcohol are not believed to have played a role.

Eastbound lanes of I-42 are expected to remain closed until 8:30 p.m. for cleanup and truck removal. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes.
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This story has been updated