Gilmer Police Facebook photo

GILMER–A load of chicken waste which spilled from an 18-wheeler truck shut down the intersection of U.S. 271 and Texas 154 in Gilmer for a time today, said Police Chief Mark Case.

A witness told police that the truck, which fled the scene, almost had an accident and that the driver slammed on the brakes, dumping the waste, Case said.

The incident caused blockage of most of 271, and the intersection was shut down for about 15 minutes for the Gilmer Fire Department to clear the scene, he said. Police also contacted the Texas Department of Transportation.

JBS, the firm which owned the truck, is sending personnel from Mount Pleasant to clean up the waste, Case said.

The Texas Department of Public Safety, meanwhile, has contacted the truck driver, who knew the waste had fallen into the intersection, said Case.

“More than likely, he’ll be cited for unsecure load,” the chief said.

The accident, which resulted in no injuries, was reported at 10:59 a.m., said Case. Police posted a photo of the debris on the department’s Facebook page.