UPDATE: Kentucky State Police Post 1 Investigating Single Vehicle Collision Involving Hazardous Material Spill in Graves County

***UPDATE***

HICKORY, Ky. (November 13, 2026) – The roadway has been reopened.

Original News Release below:

HICKORY, Ky. (November 13, 2026) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 1 troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers are currently on scene of a single-vehicle collision in the area of Hopewell Road and Herman Road in Graves County. Hopewell Road is currently closed to traffic between Westplains Road and KY-408.

The initial investigation indicates a 2027 Volvo truck with a 2025 Wabash semi-trailer loaded with a Class 8 Corrosive Solid hazardous material was being operated by Rhuel I. Sankey of Las Vegas, Nevada west on Herman Road. While attempting to turn right onto Hopewell Road, the truck overturned off the roadway. The driver reported possible minor injury; however, denied medical treatment at the scene. The collision did result in a leak of diesel fuel, oil, and hazardous materials. The roadway is closed to allow for cleanup of the scene. The hazardous material has been identified as Poultry Guard Dry, a granulated bentonite clay amended with sulfuric acid. There is no current risk to public health from this incident. 

Kentucky State Police would like to thank the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, the Paducah Fire Department HazMat Response, Graves County Emergency Management, Mayfield Fire and EMS, and Viola Fire Department for their assistance on scene. 

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