Tanker Truck Plunges Into Coosa River Tuesday; Driver Survives, Massive Multi-Agency Response

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News | April 30, 2026

GADSDEN, Ala. — A dramatic Tuesday morning crash sent an 18-wheeler tanker truck off the J. Herbert Meighan Bridge and into the Coosa River, prompting a large-scale emergency response and environmental cleanup effort involving agencies from across the region.

The incident occurred Tuesday, April 28, when the tanker truck traveling along Meighan Boulevard on U.S. Highway 431 left the roadway, crashed through the bridge railing, and plunged into the river below. The bridge serves as a major connection between east and west Gadsden.

Authorities confirmed the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, survived the crash and was rescued within minutes. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital and is reported to be recovering from minor injuries.

Gadsden Fire Chief Vance Brown said he received the call around 10 a.m. while attending a City Council meeting. He noted that the department’s regular water-rescue training played a critical role in the quick response.

“Once we arrived on scene, we realized an 18-wheeler had entered the water,” Brown said. “Our crews were able to reach the victim and remove him from the river within approximately ten minutes.”

Officials said the tanker portion of the truck was empty at the time of the crash, but environmental concerns quickly became a priority due to diesel fuel and oil leaking from the vehicle. Etowah County EMA Director Jim Slick estimated the truck may have contained approximately 200 gallons of diesel.

Emergency crews rapidly deployed containment booms across the water to limit the spread of fuel and prevent contamination from traveling downstream. Slick credited the swift coordination between agencies, including assistance from Marshall County EMA and Cherokee County EMA, which responded with additional resources and cleanup support.

Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford confirmed the cab of the truck remained submerged, while contractors worked to remove contaminants from the river. He noted that the empty tanker helped reduce the potential environmental impact, though cleanup efforts remain ongoing.

By Tuesday afternoon, crews had successfully removed the tanker portion from the river, while dive teams prepared to assist with the recovery of the submerged cab. Chief Brown estimated the cleanup process could take up to two days.

A wide range of agencies responded to the scene, including the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office and dive team, St. Clair County dive team, Marshall County EMA, Cherokee County EMA, Pell City Police Department, Gadsden Police Department, Gadsden Fire Department, Rainbow City Fire Department, Alabama State Troopers, the State of Alabama EMA, Whitaker Towing, and Marion Environmental, Inc.

In a statement, Etowah County EMA praised the coordinated response:

“This incident once again demonstrated the strength and teamwork of our local and regional partners. We are thankful for everyone who contributed to the rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts.”

Officials also extended special thanks to Shawn Rogers, Blake Farmer, Charity Mitchum, Kirk Webb, Tim McKee, and others who assisted during the operation.

Authorities confirmed the incident remains under investigation. According to information shared by the driver’s family and confirmed by officials, the driver was reportedly experiencing a mental-health episode at the time of the crash.

Emergency management and public safety officials say recovery and environmental mitigation efforts will continue until the river and surrounding areas are fully secured.

Continue following The Weekly Ledger News for all your local, area, late-breaking, and community news. We keep you connected and informed.

© 2026 The Weekly Ledger News. All rights reserved.