Paint spill shuts down lanes along I-85 in Gaston County after crash

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over a multi-vehicle crash that caused paint to spill along Interstate 85 in Gaston County Thursday.

[ALSO READ: Dozens of gallons of spilled paint create traffic mess on Park Road]

Two northbound lanes were blocked near McAdenville Road while crews worked to clean up the mess just before noon.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol said an accident involving three cars caused a pickup truck hauling 55-gallon drums of tennis court paint to crash. The paint spilled all over the highway.

Joshua Brunner stopped when traffic ahead slowed to a crawl.

"The only thing I can say is the Lord was with us,” Brunner said.

He said the BMW behind him barely hit his truck, but the truck hauling paint behind the BMW didn't stop.

"I was in park, and when I put it in park, I got hit again,” Brunner said.

The BMW was pinned between the trucks and the wall.

A drum full of paint flew out of the truck's bed, coating the road.

The mess snarled traffic on the interstate. Traffic was also backed up for miles on roads bypassing the crash.

People who couldn't avoid the area may be even more upset, especially if they find green paint on their cars.

Troopers said the good news is the paint is water-based and should wash right off.

"Give yourself that stopping distance because you never know when the vehicle in front of you may stop abruptly because of reasons like this,” said Trooper Ray Pierce.

Troopers said you can call them if you drove through the area and can't get rid of the paint. You can have the car cleaned by the insurance company of the person hauling the paint.

The lanes reopened after 4 p.m.

Troopers said there were minor injuries in the crash.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

Cox Media Group