AULANDER – An early morning mishap near here Friday left NC 11 blocked in both directions for seven hours.

North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper M.D. Simmons reported that an 18-wheeler spilled its cargo of building lumber on the roadway after the rig turned over on its top.

Simmons said the accident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. south of Aulander in front of Liverman’s Recycling. It was there, Simmons said, that a 2005 Freightliner owned and operated by 61-year-old Daniel B. Gurnee of Stokes ran off the north shoulder of the road to avoid a southbound vehicle that Gurnee alleged had crossed the center line.

Simmons stated the driver of the car did not stop. He added there was no impact between the 18-wheeler and the car.

“Mr. Gurnee lost control of his truck after attempting to avoid the car, causing the 18-wheeler to travel off the right side of the road where it overturned,” Simmons said. “The truck’s cab landed on its roof and the truck-trailer came to rest partially on the shoulder and partially on the road. It was a pretty big mess there with all the lumber scattered around the truck.”

Simmons said Gurnee was not seriously injured, but his truck was a total loss.

The truck did lose most all of its fluids, prompting NCDOT to respond to the accident scene to spread sand in an effort to absorb the spilled fluids.

Simmons added that NC 11 was reopened around 11 a.m. after the accident scene was cleared of all debris.

No charges were filed.