Highway 153 reopens Wednesday night after chemical spill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Wednesday night, a chemical spill resulted in parts of Highway 153 being closed down for hours.

Hazmat crews arrived on scene to address the spill and get it cleaned up.

Hazmat Response, Courtesy of Chattanooga Fire Dept.

The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) said they had crews working the scene since about 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, with the highway finally reopening late that night.

CFD said a FedEx truck was transporting organic peroxide when the driver smelled fumes and saw smoke. The driver then pulled over and called 911, according to the fire department.

Responders said they found the chemical leaking out of its tote in the back of the tractor trailer due to a hole in the side of the tote. The fire department did not report any injuries.

“Organic peroxide produces its own heat when exposed to air, which can start a fire,” CFD explained.

Parts of Highway 153 northbound, southbound and Lee Highway were shut down while crews cleaned up the scene.

Marion Environmental cleaned up the chemical spill with firefighters.