A Soldotna truck driver hauling drilling mud was killed today in a crash near Mile 9.5 East End Road. Trevor Cunningham, 29, was ejected from his truck. Kachemak Emergency Services medics took him to South Peninsula Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Next of kin have been notified, Alaska State Troopers said in a press release.

Cunningham had been heading inbound to Homer when the truck overturned about 10:25 a.m. Jan. 22, separating the tank from the frame. Some drilling mud spilled from the tank. KES crews set up booms as a precaution. Troopers notified the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. At press time it is not known if a clean-up was underway. The truck is owned by AIMM Technology, said Megan Peters, a trooper spokesperson.

Troopers also notified Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. The Bureau of Highway Patrol assumed control of the scene and is conducting an investigation.

The crash happened on East End Road near Walters Street by a downhill curve between Kilcher Road and Greer Road. The tanks rolled onto the south side of the east bound side of the road. Buccaneer Energy just started drilling a well at the West Eagle prospect off East End Road 20 miles east of Homer. AIMM Technologies is a vendor used by Buccaneer. Buccaneer will be providing a contents list of the drilling mud to DEC, according to Jay Morakis, a Buccaneer spokesperson.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.