Indiana transportation officials were forced to shut down I-65 in both directions after a multiple semi truck crash in Seymour.
Hazmat Truck Crash Forces Interstate Closure, Evacuation Order
I-65 northbound and southbound is closed from Seymour to Uniontown following an early morning crash.
Traffic is being diverted at US 50 (exit 50). Detour is sending traffic to US 31 south to State Road 250 and back on I-65 at 41mm. Drivers are encouraged to seek an alternate route and leave extra drive time this morning. pic.twitter.com/NBCaKhpfrn
— Sgt. Stephen Wheeles (@ISPVersailles) January 10, 2018
The crash happened at mile marker 43 when two trucks that were stopped for a previous crash were rear-ended by a third truck. One of the trucks involved in the crash was hauling hazardous materials, which spilled out of the truck onto the roadway following the crash.
This is the view of the chemical spill that resulted from the crash on I-65. Cleanup will be ongoing all morning. Seek an alternate route and leave yourself extra time if traveling in the area today. pic.twitter.com/QqsCyr8kuf
— Sgt. Stephen Wheeles (@ISPVersailles) January 10, 2018
After the crash, the Indiana State Patrol reported that the situation continued to “deteriorate” as the truck that was hauling the hazmat became fully engulfed in flames. At that time, authorities became concerned about the risk of an explosion and ordered all homes within a half mile of the crash site to be evacuated.
If you are traveling on I-65 near Seymour please seek an alternate route. A crash and chemical fire at mile marker 43 have both lanes closed. pic.twitter.com/FZ7qg3CPbv
— INDOT (@INDOT) January 10, 2018
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
It isn’t clear when I-65 will reopen. ISP says that the detour is sending traffic to US 31 south to State Road 250 and back on I-65 at mile marker 41.
Live look at the scene on I-65 at 43mm https://t.co/bX4MNKvIAI
— Sgt. Stephen Wheeles (@ISPVersailles) January 10, 2018
You can follow the Indiana Department of Transportation on Twitter for the latest road closure information.