Semi crash on I-24 near Murfreesboro causes chemical fire, forces evacuations
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A massive fire of chemicals on I-24 in Rutherford County (near Nashville) resulting from a crash of two semis has forced crews to close a 5-mile stretch of the interstate and ask local residents to stay inside their homes.
Follow our sister station WZTV for the latest, here.
One of the semis was carrying chlorine tablets, and when they are activated by water, they cause hazardous smoke.
Drivers heading west on I-24 are being diverted at the Epps Mill Road exit:
Our sister station WZTV in Nashville has been covering the story all Wednesday morning:
Fox17 is reporting there were only minor injuries in the crash. But the resulting chemical fire is what is causing problems.
Later on in the morning a "CODE RED" alert was issued.
Rutherford County schools are not closed, but school officials did acknowledge the situation on their Facebook page and said those within the "shelter in place" zone should stay put, and not try to get in to school.
Evacuations of Buchanan Estates got underway shortly after 6 a.m. (local time).
This is a developing story. Depend on NewsChannel 9 to bring you updates as we get them.
