(Birmingham, Alabama – December 1, 2025) – A tragic tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 59/20 in Birmingham left an east Alabama truck driver dead and caused a major fuel spill that shut down lanes for hours. The fatal crash, which happened near the Tallapoosa Street exit, is now under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and local authorities.
This busy section of I-59/20 is one of Birmingham’s most heavily traveled commercial corridors, making the incident especially disruptive for morning commuters.
What Happened on I-59/20?
According to reports from AL.com and WVTM 13, the crash occurred on Sunday afternoon when a tractor-trailer overturned across multiple southbound lanes. Emergency responders arrived to find the truck on its side with significant vehicle damage.
The driver, Damon Kabetzke (47) of Wedoweewas, was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional family and funeral details have not been released publicly.
Large Fuel Spill Required Hazmat Response
The overturned tractor-trailer released a large amount of diesel fuel onto the roadway, creating dangerous conditions and requiring an extensive hazmat response.
Cleanup efforts included:
- Fuel containment and spill absorption
- Inspection of drainage areas
- Lane closures during peak morning traffic
- Removal of the damaged tractor-trailer
- Environmental safety checks before reopening lanes
ALDOT urged drivers to avoid the area while crews worked to secure the scene.
Traffic Disruptions Across Birmingham
Traffic backed up for miles as first responders closed multiple lanes on I-59/20. Motorists were diverted to Tallapoosa Street and adjacent routes to alleviate congestion.
Delays lasted several hours before the roadway was cleared and deemed safe for travel.
Cause of the Fatal Overturn Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet released the official cause of the crash. Factors that are commonly reviewed in tractor-trailer accidents include:
- Mechanical issues or brake failure
- Load securement problems
- Roadway conditions
- Driver fatigue
- Medical emergencies
- Weather-related factors
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continues to investigate. A full crash report is expected soon.
Why This Area of I-59/20 Is High-Risk for Truck Crashes
The downtown Birmingham stretch of I-59/20 sees heavy freight traffic and complex lane merges, making it a high-risk zone for:
- Tractor-trailer rollovers
- Rear-end collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Hazmat spills
Commercial vehicle crashes in this area have become increasingly common due to high truck volumes and tight traffic patterns.
How to Obtain an ALEA Crash Report
Families and insurance carriers often need the official crash report to move forward with claims, funeral arrangements, and legal matters.
You can request an ALEA crash report through:
Online Crash Report Portal
🔗 https://www.alabamapublicsafety.org/crashreports
Phone
📞 334-517-2800
In Person
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 S. Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Reports are typically available 7–10 business days after the crash.
Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Truck Accident
Tractor-trailer cases are often more complex than regular car accidents due to federal trucking regulations and commercial insurance policies. Families may be entitled to compensation for:
- Wrongful death damages
- Lost income or support
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Mental anguish
- Potential negligence by a trucking company or maintenance provider
The Fob James Law Firm assists families across Alabama in fatal truck accident cases and provides free consultations.
Fob James Law Firm – Helping Families After Deadly Truck Crashes
If you lost a loved one in a trucking accident, our experienced legal team is here to help guide you through the next steps.
📞 Call (205) 407-6009
📍 Birmingham, Alabama
💬 Free and confidential case review
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Fob James, IV
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large national firm for several years, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society. Many of Fob’s cases are high profile and have been featured in, among others: Bloomberg News, PlanAdvisor, AL.com, PlanSponsor, InsuranceJournal, and BusinessInsider. For his work in obtaining numerous multi-million dollar outcomes for his clients, Fob has been recognized by: National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020-2025), Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law (2023-2025), and TrustAnalytica – Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama.