Overturned Rig Triggers Multi-Hour Highway Ramp Closure on Interstate 81 Southbound

Evan Mills, NY - Emergency responders spent hours managing traffic disruptions and coordinating heavy equipment recovery operations Monday evening after a tractor-trailer rolled over onto an interstate interchange ramp in Jefferson County.

At approximately 5:45 p.m. on October 5, 2026, the Pamelia Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the connector ramp linking Interstate 781 to Interstate 81 Southbound following reports of an overturned commercial motor vehicle. Arriving crews found a large tractor-trailer resting on its side, blocking the ramp. Paramedics evaluated the vehicle's operator, who reported no injuries.

Due to the size of the commercial vehicle, fluid hazards, and scattered debris, the roadway was shut down to all traffic for an extended duration while crews worked the scene. Firefighters established perimeter control and containment measures while VanTassel Towing & Recovery deployed specialized rigging and heavy wreckers to upright and tow the disabled rig.

Pamelia was assisted on scene by mutual aid resources from the North Pole Fire Department, Evans Mills Fire Department, Evans Mills Ambulance, the New York State Police, and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT). Following a comprehensive cleanup and fluid mitigation by road crews, authorities fully reopened the ramp to regular traffic around 10:00 p.m.