I-20 Shut Down Due to Accident

VICKSBURG, Ms – I-20 east is shut down near the 15 mile marker due to an accident involving a tanker and a passenger van.

According to multiple sources, the tanker is leaking fluid and there are people entrapped in the passenger vehicle.

The eastbound lanes of I-20 are currently shut down due to the accident. A unit with the Mississippi Highway Patrol is on the scene. District 4 Firefighters from Warren County, along with multiple agencies, including Warren County Emergency Management, are en route to the accident scene.

This is a dangerous situation due to the type of fluid leaking from the tanker. Take another route and avoid the area until crews can safely remove the entrapped people and clear the leak.

The Vicksburg Daily News will update this story as more information is made available.

UPDATES

UPDATE – 9:33 a.m. – The leaking fluid is believed to be a HAZMAT threat that is flammable and a vapor hazard.

UPDATE – 10:00 a.m. – The tanker was carrying 2600 gallons of denatured alcohol(ethanol), which is a breathing hazard and highly flammable. Three vehicles were involved: a UPS 18-wheeler, the tanker, and a work van of some sort. Minor injuries are reported. One source reports the leak has been plugged, but this remains dangerous. The roadway remains closed and will remain closed for some time until the hazardous material can be removed.