DENTON, N.C. -- An overturned tractor trailer spilled thousands of gallons of fuel and shut down a major highway.

  • Overturned tractor trailer spills thousands of gallons of fuel
  • It happened on Highway 49 near Highway 47
  • The driver was rescued after 45 minutes

It happened Wednesday afternoon just before 3:30.

The tractor trailer was driving on Highway 49 near Highway 47 when it ran off the road, overturned and began leaking fuel, and as much as 6,000 gallons may have leaked out.

The driver was pinned in the vehicle and was freed after a nearly 45-mintue rescue.

“Something that had to do with the hazardous material making sure there was no spark or anything associated with that. He was than taken by air to Baptist in Winston-Salem," said Steven Comer, North Carolina Highway Patrol. 

The driver is expected to be OK.