By Don Pritchard, Sun Times News Online/KSGM Radio
STE. GENEVIEVE – The northbound I-55 was shut down from the 143 mile marker to the 150 mile marker Friday morning because of a a hazmat incident just south of the Route 32 interchange in Ste. Genevieve County.
Photos by Charity Pritchard Michael
Police said northbound motorists were being diverted to Highway 61 at the 143 exit and allowed to return to the interstate via Highway 32 at the 150 exit.
Several units from area agencies were on the scene of the vehicle accident involving a hazardous material spill.
Traffic was returned to one lane of the interstate after several hours and later the other northbound lane was opened.
The Ste. Genevieve County Fire Protection District released this report on the incident at 5 p.m. Friday:
“At approximately 6:20 a.m., your firefighters from Station 1 and Station 6 responded to a vehicle accident with rollover and unknown injuries on Interstate 55 near Highway 32.
“Upon arrival, crews found a semi-truck carrying hazardous materials overturned and leaking.
“Firefighters quickly requested a HAZMAT team to assist with containment and cleanup.
“The interstate was closed for an extended period while crews worked to secure the area and stop the leak.
“All units have now cleared the scene, and the highway has been reopened.
“We’d like to thank all of our assisting agencies for their help and teamwork during this incident.”
As of presstime, no information about the type of hazardous material or details of the traffic crash have been released by the state or local authorities.