Staff report
Traffic was backed up for a few hours on Long Ferry Road early Tuesday morning when a dump truck overturned, spilling its load.
The N.C. Highway Patrol charged the truck’s driver with taking a curve too fast.
Fred Lippard, 49, of Albemarle, was carrying a load of dirt for Hammill Construction Inc., based in Gold Hill.
According to trooper D.R. Morgan, Lippard came around the curve and ran off the road.
“He overturned his truck on its side. He was making a delivery,” Morgan said.
Lippard’s truck was the only vehicle involved.
The accident occurred at Long Ferry and Leonard roads at 8:24 a.m.
Lippard was charged with exceeding a safe speed.
Lippard told the trooper he thought his load may have shifted when he came into the curve.
Crawford’s Garage out of Granite Quarry arrived on the scene to right the truck.
Morgan said some of the soil had spilled onto the roadway. The rest had to be emptied from the truck before workers were able to turn it right-side up.
Although traffic was backed up, Morgan said since the incident occurred on a secondary road, it didn’t seem to be a huge issue. Traffic was diverted.
Lippard was not seriously injured. He was checked at the scene by Emergency Medical Service personnel.
Morgan said the driver complained of a sore leg.
Lippard took himself to the hospital later, he said.
Miller’s Ferry Fire Department also responded.