WIPP truck swerves off highway

LAS VEGAS, N.M. – A truck carrying defense radioactive waste on route to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad veered off the road near Las Vegas last week.The southbound truck carrying three loaded containers went off Interstate 25 near the Airport Road exit around 5 p.m. The truck was coming from Idaho.The truck stayed upright and there was no damage. State police said no hazardous materials were released and that the driver claimed he had become ill and passed out. A radiation survey was conducted and nothing was detected, officials said.Even if the truck had overturned, it would have been doubtful that any leakages would occur. The heavy drums were certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and they must be able to survive intact a fall of 30 feet onto a steel-reinforced concrete pad and burn in jet fuel for 30 minutes, officials said.State police officers responded to the incident.State police Lt. Rick Anglada said Monday that the driver was identified as Fred King, 50, of Carlsbad. He was cited in Miguel County Magistrate Court for driving while fatigued.Anglada said the driver went off the road and through a right-of-way fence.

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