Lee County Man In Critical Condition After Traffic Collision

It happened around 10 a.m. on Colon Road near U.S. 1 in Lee County.

Troopers said Uriah Thomas, 27, ran off the right side of the road, then overcorrected and crossed the center line -- into the path of a diesel fuel tanker.

"It was basically run over by the back axles of the truck, causing a clean cut on the vehicle," said Sgt. Tim Bolduc, of the Highway Patrol. "The whole engine compartment was torn away from the passenger compartment -- separated completely."

The collision sent the diesel tanker on its side. The driver, Gary Lee Harrington of Broadway, is OK.

The tanker was holding about 7,500 gallons of fuel, and around 4,000 gallons leaked out.

According to Lee County Emergency Management, the diesel fuel got awfully close to Buffalo Creek but did not get in the waterway.

"I'd say we're 90 percent sure that the water quality is not going to be hampered in any way because none got into the running creek itself," said Bob Brown, of Lee County Emergency Management.

Troopers are still investigating why Thomas lost control of his van.

Colon Road between Osgood Road and U.S. 1 will be closed through Monday for cleanup.