I-44 in Rolla is open again after a crash involving multiple tractor trailers in Rolla affecting both east and westbound lanes.
Update at 2:30 a.m.:
All lanes have been re-opened on I-44 in Rolla.
Update at 11:30 p.m.:
The right lane on eastbound I-44 is now open, but the left lane and all westbound lanes remain closed.
According to MoDOT the estimated time of cleanup is around four hours.
Update at 9 p.m.:
Sergeant Mike Mitchell with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop I, tells KTTS News, five people have been transported to a hospital and 2 with moderate injuries.
Mitchell says 1 tractor-trailer was on Westbound I-44 and lost control on wet pavement. A second tractor-trailer, also traveling westbound, lost control on wet pavement.
The first tractor-trailer was carrying 2 pallets of trymethylaluminum and antimony powder. Both chemicals can be hazardous to people. Antimony powder can be especially dangerous when mixed with water.
There was an evacuation of 300 ft. around the crash.
Update on the tractor trailer crash at the 184 mm near Rolla. Hazmat crew has informed us that they believe the hazardous materials are still contained inside the trailer and the scene is safe.
— MSHP Troop I (@MSHPTrooperI) January 23, 2019
Troopers say the cleanup could take 2-3 hours.
Previous Coverage:
The Missouri Highway Patrol is working a multiple tractor-trailer crash on I-44 near Rolla.
The Doolittle Fire Department shared the picture above. Emergency crews ask drivers to avoid both the eastbound and westbound lanes at mile marker 184 west of Rolla. One big rig is carrying hazardous materials.
KTTS News will update this story as details develop.
Update on tractor trailer crash on I44 westbound at 184 mm near Rolla. Eastbound traffic is being re-routed at the Doolittle exit. Westbound re-routed at the 186. One tractor trailer contained wet filled batteries and hazmat team is on scene.
— MSHP Troop I (@MSHPTrooperI) January 23, 2019