Multiple hazmat violations uncovered following ‘unexpected fireworks show’ on I-75

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) found multiple carrier and driver hazardous materials violations after a trailer caught fire while traveling on I-75 over the weekend, igniting the fireworks inside.

The vehicle fire took place on the night of Saturday, June 6, on northbound I-75 near the Ooltewah Exit in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Troopers said that a fireworks shipment, driven by Dalton Beeler, of Tennessee, was traveling from South Pittsburg to Knox County when the fire occurred.

“What looked like an unexpected fireworks show along Interstate 75 on Saturday could have had far more serious consequences,” troopers said.

The Chattanooga Fire Department said that “fireworks that were going off in different directions, endangering drivers.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, known as Motor Carrier Plus, responded to the scene to conduct a post-incident inspection.

Several carrier hazardous materials violations were found, including:

“This incident looked like a fireworks show, but it could have been much worse,” said Col. Matt Perry, commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “Hazardous materials regulations exist to protect both the public and the first responders who rush toward danger when everyone else is moving away from it. The work performed by our Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division helps identify safety violations and reinforces the importance of compliance with federal and state transportation laws.”

“The images from Interstate 75 drew attention across Tennessee. Behind those images was a commercial vehicle carrying regulated explosives on a public highway without several of the safety requirements federal law requires for hazardous materials transportation,” said THP.