Leaking Truck Leaves Behind Miles-Long Trail of Red Dye In Oregon

A semi-truck leaked red dye for miles in Oregon, coloring the roads and damaging a number of vehicles.

Police identified the driver as 40-year-old Junior Jean, who was reportedly aware of the leak. While the exact distance covered by the truck was unclear, law enforcement officials said the vehicle drove through Multnomah and Clackamas counties, according to CBS affiliate KOIN.

Jean drove the semi-truck for several miles on Interstate 205 and then got off NE Marine Drive.

While the cause of the leak wasn't determined, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office issued a press release, noting that Jean was aware of the leak after another driver flagged him down.

He then contacted his employer and was told to "continue driving to the final destination," the press release said. "Jean traveled several more miles to Troutdale, while the liquid dye was spilling out of the trailer," it added.

Multnomah County sheriff's deputies inspected the roads where the spill was reported and found it was "covered in red substance," NBC affiliate KGW reported.

Jean told police the dye that leaked from his vehicle is used to color mulch. He added the material is liquid soluble, which means it would wash away when sprayed with water.

The driver was issued several citations, including operating with sifting or leaking load, criminal mischief in the third degree, and reckless driving, the press release said.

Authorities called on all drivers using the I-205 northbound, I-84 eastbound, or NE Marine Drive on Saturday to check their vehicles for any damage. Those affected by the incident were also asked to contact their insurance providers.

In another incident that took place in South Carolina's Spartanburg County in September, pink and blue colored clothing dye spilled all over a freeway on Interstate 85 South following a crash. According to authorities, the organic dye spilled from a truck hauling a 55-gallon container. "While the colors are pretty, we're pretty sure you don't want it on your car," Spartanburg County's Emergency Management said in a social media post.