An automated trash truck was accidentally overturned in a residential area in Fort Smith Friday afternoon.
One of the drivers overturned the truck at 3005 Brighten Point, according to the Fort Smith Department of Sanitation Director Baridi Nkokheli.
The driver was traveling east on Lakeside Way at the time of the accident. Police believe he may have been going too fast and took the sharp turn, according to Officer JB Little.
The driver had to crawl out of the overturned vehicle. He was checked out by emergency responders on the scene. Officer Little says the driver was not injured.
Nkokheli says the truck was loaded with trash and hydraulic and diesel fluids from the truck leaked, but it was contained to the site. The street department poured materials to absorb the fluids and sewage that leaked from the truck, according to Officer Little.
The truck, which was purchased in 2007 and cost an estimated $250,000, was damaged and had to be towed away, he said.
It’s the first time one of the sanitation trucks has overturned in residential neighborhood, Nkokheli said.
This was the second automated truck for the program purchased in 2007.
Nkokheli the accident won’t affect their scheduled trash pick-ups and a maintenance spare truck will be used.
The driver was ticketed for careless driving.
