Thursday, March 26, 2015

18- WHEELER TRUCK CARRYING HAZARDOUS MATERIAL CAUGHT FIRE ON HIGHWAY 72 IN ALABAMA





MARCH 26, 2015

CHEROKEE, AL (WAFF)

Early Thursday morning, emergency responders went to Highway 72 near Cherokee at the Natchez Trace after a truck caught fire.

According to authorities, the truck was carrying hazardous material when it caught fire. Hazmat crews are on the scene.

Police  shut down west and eastbound traffic on Highway 72, as well as, the Natchez Trace overpass. The Natchez Trace Parkway has since reopened. One lane in each direction on Highway 72 has reopened since the crash.

Aboard the 18 wheeler was over 6,000 pounds Resin Solution UN1866. 

Authorities were concerned about fumes that the resin might give off. Also on the truck was 500 pounds of Sodium Metasilicate UN3266. 

Both of these materials are highly flammable and corrosive.
Officials say several small explosions occurred on the truck, but the driver of the 18 wheeler got out safely.

Officials said that the biggest concern right now is vapor. They evacuated at least four homes to keep people safe from the potential vapor.

WAFF's Marie Waxel is on the scene right now gathering information.
No injuries have been reported at this time.