Tragic Chowan County Crash Highlights the Dangers of Tanker Trucks on North Carolina Roads

On March 25, 2025, a devastating crash in Chowan County, North Carolina, tragically took the life of a farm tractor operator. According to the report from WITN, the collision occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Highway 32, involving a commercial tanker truck carrying liquid nitrogen and a John Deere tractor with a hydraulic Rhino blade.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol reports that the tractor was attempting a left turn into a farm path when the tanker truck began to pass it on the left. The tanker struck the rear blade, forcing the tractor off the highway and into a ditch. The tractor overturned, ejecting the driver, who died at the scene. The tanker also veered off the road and ended up partially in a field.

This crash is more than just another rural traffic incident—it’s a sobering reminder of how tanker trucks and other large commercial vehicles can present catastrophic dangers, especially when traveling through agricultural or residential communities. At KBD Attorneys, we are committed to sharing these real-world examples to inform the public and help prevent similar tragedies.

Why Tanker Trucks Pose Unique Dangers

Tanker trucks, especially those hauling hazardous or pressurized materials like liquid nitrogen, are among the most dangerous vehicles on the road. These specialized commercial trucks are not only heavy and difficult to maneuver, but their cargo presents added risks:

• Weight and Speed: Even empty, tankers weigh significantly more than a passenger vehicle or farm equipment. At highway speeds, stopping quickly becomes nearly impossible.

• Hazardous Contents: If a tanker is hauling flammable, toxic, or cryogenic materials (like liquid nitrogen), a crash can escalate from a collision to a full-blown chemical hazard or explosion.

• Limited Visibility: Tanker truck drivers have large blind spots, particularly when passing smaller vehicles or agricultural machinery.

• High Center of Gravity: Tankers are susceptible to rollovers, especially when navigating turns, changes in elevation, or uneven terrain.

In the Chowan County crash, the combination of a tanker truck passing a turning tractor and the mechanical attachment (the Rhino blade) contributed to a fatal outcome. But the underlying factor is clear: this kind of vehicle should not be taking risky maneuvers around slow-moving farm equipment.

Rural Roads and Agricultural Risks

Highway 32 in Chowan County is a rural road surrounded by farmland. Many roads like it across North Carolina are shared by farm tractors, school buses, cyclists, and local residents. These roads often lack shoulders, passing lanes, or clear sightlines.

Commercial truck drivers are trained to exercise extra caution in rural areas, but when that caution lapses—or if a company is pushing drivers to meet tight delivery deadlines—the consequences can be irreversible.

It’s Not Just Tankers—All Trucks Can Be Deadly

While tanker trucks pose a specialized threat, all large commercial trucks carry the potential for deadly consequences in a crash:

• Tractor-trailers and semi-trucks can cause multi-vehicle pileups on highways.

• Dump trucks and garbage trucks are frequently involved in accidents in residential areas.

• Delivery trucks can hit pedestrians, especially children or elderly residents, during drop-offs.

At KBD Attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how families can be devastated in an instant by a careless truck driver, a poorly maintained vehicle, or a company cutting corners on safety.

Whether you’re a farmer operating slow-moving equipment, a parent driving to school with your kids, or simply commuting to work—when a commercial truck is involved, you’re at a severe disadvantage in any collision.

Our Mission: Protecting North Carolinians and Seeking Justice for Victims

At KBD Attorneys, we share stories like the Chowan County crash not for sensationalism—but because these incidents illustrate why our work is so important. Every trucking accident we read about represents a real family whose life has been turned upside down.

We are committed to helping victims and families who have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones due to trucking accidents in North Carolina and beyond. When a crash occurs—whether it involves a tanker, a flatbed, or a delivery van—our team steps in to:

• Investigate the scene and preserve evidence immediately, including truck logs, black box data, GPS history, and driver background.

• Identify all liable parties, from the driver to the trucking company, maintenance crew, or shipping contractor.

• Fight aggressively for compensation, including for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.

We bring not only decades of legal experience to the table but also a deep sense of compassion and respect for every client we serve. Our mission is not just about winning cases—it’s about holding dangerous companies accountable and making our roads safer for everyone.

What You Should Do After a Trucking Accident in North Carolina

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a trucking crash—whether in Chowan County or anywhere else in North Carolina—take these steps:

1. Get medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor.

2. Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness contacts.

3. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal counsel.

4. Contact a trucking accident attorney to help guide you through the next steps and protect your rights.

Contact KBD Attorneys Today

Trucking accidents—especially those involving tanker trucks—can lead to catastrophic injuries and tragic deaths. The Chowan County case shows how a simple left turn on a quiet highway can turn fatal in seconds.

If you or someone you love has been impacted by a North Carolina trucking accident, don’t try to fight the system alone. Contact KBD Attorneys for a free and confidential consultation. Our firm is committed to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Let us stand by your side—from Chowan County to Charlotte, from Asheville to Wilmington—wherever you are in North Carolina, we’re here to help.