DURHAM, N.C. — A cement truck driver was critically injured Saturday afternoon when the truck went out of control and overturned on the entrance ramp to N.C. 147 South at U.S. 15-501 South.

The accident happened shortly before 5 p.m. as the driver, Robert Charles Oatley, 29, of Holder Inman Road, Randleman, was trying to turn onto the N.C. 147 South entrance ramp from U.S. 15-501 South. The 1992 Ford cement truck, which was owned by McCarthy Improvement Co. of Davenport, Iowa, went out of control, overturned and landed on its left side in the roadway.

Oatley, who was not wearing a seat belt, was partially ejected through the windshield. He was taken to Duke University Hospital for treatment of head injuries and was in critical but stable condition Saturday night.

Approximately 34,000 pounds of cement spilled from the truck onto the roadway and shoulder when the vehicle overturned. McCarthy Improvement Co. handled the cleanup.

The entrance ramp to N.C. 147 South was shut down for almost two hours.

Investigators said speed was a factor in the accident. Oatley will face charges for exceeding a safe speed and not wearing a seat belt.