State troopers, rescue and hazardous materials crews are working to restore one lane of traffic flow on eastbound Interstate 24 after a tanker truck carrying hazardous materials crashed into a creek near the Haletown exit.
Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Bill Miller said the tanker truck went off the left side of the road and rolled several times until it came to rest in the creek. The truck was loaded with a flammable material and fire department officials on the scene have confirmed a leak, Miller said.
Emergency Management Agency officials from Marion and Hamilton counties are on the scene along with hazmat teams, according to Miller.
The driver of the big rig appeared to be conscious but the extent of his injuries weren't known at 9 a.m. EST, Miller said.
Eastbound traffic on I-24 is being rerouted onto U.S. Highway 41.
Meanwhile, a hazmat specialist is being flown in to evaluate the scene before anything can be removed, Miller said.
This is a developing story. Stay with the Times Free Press for more details.
Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.comor twitter.com/BenBenton orwww.facebook.com/ben.benton1or 423-757-6569.