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.