Hazmat Spills Shut Down I-24 Twice in One Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga first responders stayed extra-busy on Wednesday. (9/20/23) The Chattanooga Fire Department issued this release around 10 p.m.

Chattanooga Fire and other agencies responded to a second hazmat incident Wednesday night on Interstate 24. The first incident involved a chemical spill involving organic peroxide at the Germantown Road exit. Once emergency crews cleared that scene, they were called to a wreck at 8PM on I-24W at the 4th Avenue exit after a van collided with a tractor trailer transporting industrial floor cleaner, prompting another hazmat response and forcing the temporary closure of the interstate in both directions. It appears that a Chevy Astro van came up the wrong way on 4th Avenue exit ramp and pulled in front of the tractor trailer, causing a head-on collision. Due to the patient being pinned in the vehicle and their position in the wreckage, firefighters performed a complicated extrication operation. The patient was cut out of the mangled car by skilled firefighters and then transported to the hospital with serious injuries. His condition is unknown at this time. He was the only passenger inside the van. The driver of the tractor trailer was transported to the hospital with leg pain. A small leak was coming from the tractor trailer of a product called ZEP, which is a floor stripping material. A private environmental company is handling the cleanup. I-24E has reopened for traffic. Traffic on I-24W is being diverted down the off-ramp and back up the on-ramp to take traffic around the wreck site for the time being as law enforcement authorities conduct their investigation. Thanks to our Mutual Aid partners for providing coverage at our fire halls while CFD personnel were on this scene.