MT. VERNON, AL — A runaway tanker truck barreled through Mt. Vernon after the driver reported a complete brake failure on State Route 17 on Tuesday.

The incident occurred approximately 5:45 p.m.. The driver of the tanker truck radioed for help after discovering the brakes had failed while descending a grade on State Route 17 near the old cotton gin.

The truck traveled approximately 2 miles through Mt. Vernon before the driver was able to crash it into a dirt embankment.

Mobile County Sheriff's Office had been alerted and had begun clearing traffic from the truck's path. Remarkably, only minor property damage was reported.

The driver, a 56-year-old Florida man, was not injured. Mobile County Sheriff's Office praised the driver's quick thinking in avoiding populated areas.

Carson Volunteer Fire Department responded as a precaution. The truck was carrying diesel fuel. FMCSA will investigate the brake failure.

The incident highlights the importance of proper brake maintenance on commercial vehicles, particularly those operating on hilly terrain.