Homes evacuated as precaution during East Ridge hazmat response

UPDATE:

Cleanup crews are working to stabilize the hazardous cargo on I-24 eastbound. I-24 westbound is now reopen.

The Chattanooga Fire Department says an organic peroxide spill happened around 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

A driver noticed a FedEx tractor trailer had fluid leaking out of the back of the truck and the driver called 911.

Authorities closed down the interstate and evacuated a 1,000-foot radius around the truck as a precaution.

A tote carrying the organic peroxide had a pinhole leak.

Firefighters say the truck was carrying a mixed load. It was carrying other chemicals on the trailer as well, but they were not affected.

Marion Environmental assisted multiple fire and police crews in cleaning up this scene. Authorities say they are transferring the organic chemical to a new tote for further transport.

Authorities evacuated 38 homes and one apartment complex as a precaution, CFD said.

Evacuated residents went to the Brainerd Rec Center, which is staffed by American Red Cross.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

Fire officials say they are working to reopen I-24 eastbound as soon as possible.

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Hazmat response on I-24. TDOT

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Another hazmat situation happened in East Ridge on Wednesday, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department.

A FedEx box truck leaked hazardous materials onto the Germantown Road off-ramp from I-24 eastbound, firefighters said.

Authorities shut down I-24 eastbound at 4th Avenue. They shut down I-24 westbound at the 24/75 split as well.

So far, they have not reported any injuries.

However, first responders evacuated homes in the nearby area.

The Chattanooga and East Ridge Fire Departments undertook a hazmat response.

The fire department said they were still working to find out what those hazardous materials were, just before 5 p.m.

Interstate traffic backup near Chattanooga. TDOT