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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
I-57 Reopened After Semi-Tractor Trailer Accident
A single vehicle accident on I-57 turned into anything but ordinary when authorities discovered the semi was carrying a hazardous chemical.
"It's a chemical that's used as an insecticide" says State Trooper Dave Sneed.
Police have yet to release the name of the chemical-- but say it poses an inhalant risk.
On the scene officers determined no fumes were leaking but they wanted to take every precaution to keep folks safe.
"We are taking what ever chemicals inside the tractor trailer and putting it into another trailer to take it away from the scene" says Sneed.
Police closed both north and south bound portions of interstate 57 while hazmat crews assessed the scene. Even over passes were closed to the public for safety reasons.
Police say the semi driver-- an Indiana man fell asleep at the wheel and crashed in the median.
He was not hurt and there were no injuries reported-- but traffic took a beating.
"We have been sitting on the interstate for 2 hours to go about 3 miles" says Driver Jayma McGover.
Traffic was backed up for miles and folks worked to find another route to their destination.
"We're just trying to get home" says McGover.
"We passed the worst part so we got to the service station because we had to get to the rest room" says Driver Michael Martin.
Crews continued the clean up effort as day turned to night but some of the work will have to be completed on Monday.
"Simply because safety reasons it might be safer if we do it in the day light" says Sneed.
By: Christen Craig
ccraig@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283451926
