Truck spill of 20 tons of squid causes traffic chaos in Rhode Island

A tractor-trailer transporting over 20 tons of squid overturned on Sunday morning in Narragansett, Rhode Island, leading to significant traffic disruption and a pungent odor throughout the area. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Pt. Judith Road when the driver attempted a turn, causing the trailer to detach from the tractor and tip onto its side.

Emergency crews worked for approximately eight hours to clear the roadway, which remained closed from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The cleanup was complicated by high temperatures of approximately 27 degrees Celsius, which accelerated the decomposition of the seafood, making the removal process particularly difficult for the responding teams. While the incident caused substantial logistical issues, no serious injuries to the driver were reported.

Notably, squid holds a unique place in Rhode Island culture as the official state appetizer. Authorities worked throughout the day to remove the spill and restore traffic flow, eventually reopening the intersection by late afternoon.