400 gallons of spilled paint causes big mess for I-65 drivers

GREENWOOD, Ind (WISH) — Indiana State Police say up to 30 drivers got an unexpected paint job Friday evening on I-65.

A hose on a paint truck ruptured and spilled 400 gallons of paint onto I-65 southbound between exits 100 and 99.

The Indiana Department of Transportation said its subcontractor, Gridlock Traffic Systems, was preparing to put pavement markings on the interstate when yellow paint started spilling from the truck.

Diane Morris, of Greenwood, said she was behind the lane striping truck.

“It exploded,” she said. “The paint exploded. I was exiting off of I-65 on the Greenwood exit and I looked in my rear-view mirror and I noticed that my tire was yellow.”

Not only was Morris’ tires yellow, but basically the entire bottom of her green Jeep Liberty was covered in yellow paint. Paint was also splattered on her back window.

“My poor Hello Kitty stickers even got ruined,” Morris joked.

Another victim of the paint spill was Greenwood resident Dana Vargo.

Vargo explained, “We were just driving home from the gym and I was luckily going 45 mph in the construction zone and the next thing you know the paint truck up ahead started to spew paint everywhere.”

INDOT said those affected by the paint spill should call Gridlock. The company’s main phone number is (317) 541 – 2727.

24-Hour News 8 called Gridlock several times on Saturday and left a message with the company’s after hours operator. The operator confirmed the message was given to the company’s on call employee, however Gridlock has not yet returned the call.