Tennessee Tanker Truck Accident

July 12, 2008
At approximately 2:35 pm (CDT) on July 12, 2008, a tanker truck hauling 3,200 gallons of titanium tetrachloride overturned and caught fire forcing the Tennessee Department of Transportation to shut down a 10-mile stretch of I-40 for two days in Crab Orchard, TN. Titanium tetrachloride is a chemical that can irritate the eyes, skin, mucous membranes and lungs. In addition, the chemical rapidly forms hydrochloric acid when it comes into contact with water, and the threat of rain forced officials to evacuate 160 homes and businesses in the area of the crash. Rain showers stalled cleanup efforts until the following day, when crews began the task of transferring the hazardous material from the tanker truck to a specially-outfitted disposal vehicle that was used to transport the chemical to a secure location. Evacuations orders were lifted soon afterwards, although the interstate remained closed for an additional day while accident investigation and cleanup efforts continued.

Officials determined the wreck was set in motion by a car that hydroplaned on the interstate during a downpour. That accident subsequently caused a chain reaction crash involving the tanker truck as well as several other vehicles, injuring nine people.

Selected Updates

NC4 Incident Monitoring Center issued the following alerts:

• All lanes of I-40 are closed in both directions at Battown Road due to a tanker truck fire.  7/12/08 15:02 CDT
  
  
• Nine injuries reported at the crash site; area homes and businesses evacuated due to the threat from the spilled hazardous material.  7/12/08 16:44 CDT
  

• The substance involved is identified as titanium tetrachloride.  7/12/08 19:47 CDT
  

• Crews transfer the hazardous material from the tanker truck to a specially-outfitted disposal vehicle.  7/13/08 10:11 CDT
  
  
• The interstate is expected to reopen Monday evening; evacuation orders lifted.  7/14/08 05:54 CDT
  
  

 

Additional Resources
NC4 provides ongoing updates to members as the incident unfolds through the National Incident Monitoring Center (NIMC). NIMC analysts follow the incident using official government sources as well as local media sources such as the local NBC breaking news article “Tanker Spill Closes I-40.”

One-page printable summary with graphics