One Dead, One Injured in Izard County Crash with Hazmat Cleanup

A tow truck accident led to a fuel spill that required a two-day hazmat response.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged fuel tank valve or nozzle, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a hazardous materials spill.The aftermath of a tow truck crash that spilled hazardous materials, requiring an extensive cleanup effort.Little Rock Today

A tow truck accident in Izard County, Arkansas resulted in one fatality and one injury, as well as a major hazardous materials cleanup effort after the crash caused a fuel spill. The accident occurred when the tow truck, which was pulling a truck and tanker, ran off the highway, re-entered the roadway, and overturned.

Why it matters

Crashes involving commercial vehicles carrying hazardous materials can pose significant risks to public safety and the environment, requiring extensive emergency response and cleanup efforts. This incident highlights the importance of highway safety and proper hazmat protocols.

The details

According to the Arkansas State Police report, the tow truck was driven by 34-year-old Dalton Lee McClung of Paragould, with 31-year-old Dalton Ray Graham of Brookland as a passenger. Their vehicle ran off the highway, re-entered the roadway, crossed both lanes, and came to rest on its side. Graham was killed in the accident, while McClung was transported to UAMS in Little Rock for treatment. The crash occurred about half a mile from the White River, and the highway was blocked for several hours as all three vehicles overturned. A hazmat crew worked for two days to clean up the fuel spill from the overturned tanker.

  • The accident happened on March 18, 2026 at 4:11 PM.
  • Hazmat crews worked for two days to clean up the fuel spill.

The players

Dalton Ray Graham

A 31-year-old man from Brookland, Arkansas who was killed in the crash.

Dalton Lee McClung

A 34-year-old man from Paragould, Arkansas who was driving the tow truck and was injured in the accident.

Arkansas State Police (ASP)

The law enforcement agency that investigated the crash and released the report.

Izard County Sheriff Charley Melton

The sheriff who provided additional details about the crash and cleanup efforts.

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The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the importance of commercial vehicle safety and the risks posed by hazardous materials spills, which can have far-reaching environmental and public health consequences. The extensive cleanup efforts required highlight the need for robust emergency response protocols and coordination between local authorities and hazmat teams.