The incident occurred at 2pm local time on Monday.
The driver of the coal truck told local news agents he was traveling on US 23 when he spotted two vehicles coming into the intersection from Route 3.
The driver said to avoid hitting those cars; he swerved and intentionally put his truck on its side. The truck then slid into the side of the tanker.
There is an ongoing dispute as to who caused the incident. The tanker driver publically accused the coal truck driver of running the red light, causing the collision.
Two other cars that were stopped at the intersection were hit by the spilling coal.
Two people in those vehicles were hurt and taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Crews were immediately sent to clear the highway and normal traffic flow resumed by 5pm local time.
