Overturned semi in Thurston County spills motor oil, driver arrested on suspicion of DUI

A tanker carrying 4,000 gallons of used motor oil overturned on I-5 Wednesday morning at the Thurston County line, blocking all northbound lanes.

“You have a large vehicle that is loaded, very, very heavy, does not come to a stop very easily and somebody who is operating that motor vehicle unsafely by performing a dangerous act by being impaired. It puts a lot folks at risk,” said Trooper Will Finn, Washington State Patrol.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

“Everyone’s really irritated to sit in traffic this long and everyone has no clue where they’re going to go,” said driver Maddie Beard.

The truck overturned at about 4:30 a.m.

“We know it’s very frustrating, especially going into a holiday, people are anxious to get on their trips and to start enjoying their trip, but we want to make sure everyone on the road is safe,” said Kimberly Pincheira, WSDOT communications manager.

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