Followup: Chemical spill on U.S. Hwy. 61 North caused four hour traffic delay Wednesday

A motor vehicle crash that took place around 11 a.m., Aug. 21, caused portions of two major thoroughfares to be shut down for about four hours.

The accident occurred on U.S. Hwy. 61 North between the Mississippi 465 interchange and the Yazoo River bridge. 

Upon arrival, first responders saw that an 18-wheeled tanker and a farm tractor had collided causing a rupture in the tank of the 18 wheeler. There were no injuries, however.

A highly flammable but unspecified petroleum hydrocarbon distillate leaked onto the highway from the wrecked 18 wheeler, which was owned by Sindle Trucking of El Dorado, Ark., and had been traveling from Ohio to the port in Vicksburg. A 1,000 foot radius around the accident was cleared due to the extreme fire hazard.

All northbound and southbound traffic on Hwy. 61 North and 465 was stopped for approximately four hours while the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality brought in a private contractor to off-load the remaining distillate from the tanker and neutralize the liquid that had been spilled.

Nearby Redwood Elementary School was not affected by the accident but the Warren County Emergency Management Agency advised students and faculty to remain inside the building until the accident was cleared. A strong chemical odor permeated the area, and although petroleum distillates have a low toxicity level, the potential fire hazard was a concern.

Sheriff’s deputies were stationed at the school until the spill was completely cleaned to keep faculty and staff informed.

Warren County sheriff’s deputies assisted the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Mississippi Department of Transportation to route traffic around the closed portions of the roadways. 

Once the spill was cleaned, the 18 wheeler and farm machinery were moved, and the roads were re-opened just before 2:50 p.m.

Units on the scene included the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Warren County Emergency Management Agency, Warren County Fire Department and the Vicksburg Fire Department Hazmat team.