A semi truck transporting low-grade radioactive waste burst into flames on Interstate 40 in Nashville, Tennessee, leading to a temporary closure of the highway on Monday afternoon, February 5th.
What happened: The incident, which occurred near mile marker 204 at around 2:20 p.m., caused significant traffic disruptions, with the Nashville Fire Department working to extinguish the blaze and setting up perimeters to ensure public safety.
By the numbers: Both eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate were shut down as emergency teams responded, but by 5 p.m. traffic was flowing again as all lanes reopened.
Westbound traffic on I40 has reopened.
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) February 5, 2024
NFD crews have all gone through the decontamination process and the scene is being turned over to @myTDOT @THPNashville and @TennesseeEMA No readings were found indicating any levels of any hazards present. pic.twitter.com/rvWaAQRky3
No danger: Despite the potentially hazardous nature of the cargo, the fire department confirmed that "no readings were found indicating any levels of any hazards present," and the radioactive material remained contained in its packaging.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency also arrived on scene to establish a command post and further investigate the situation.