NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Interstate 24 has reopened in both directions near the Rutherford and Davidson County line after a tanker truck spilled thousands of gallons of fuel Thursday morning.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the eastbound lanes reopened to traffic at about 2:15 a.m. Friday. Lanes were closed for about 16 hours.
La Vergne officials said the truck was carrying 8,800 gallons of gas, which leaked onto the interstate across the Rutherford County line into Davidson County. An estimated 90% to 100% of the gas was lost from the tank.
A preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol showed that a Toyota Highlander swerved to the right to avoid colliding with another vehicle and came into the tanker truck's lane.
The truck struck the Highlander, causing the tanker to overturn into the median near mile marker 63.
Watch below: Sky5 flies over Interstate 24.
The driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries, but no one was transported to the hospital.
Fire crews were on the scene to help with the fuel leak.
Though the gas could be smelled in the air and care was taken to avoid its ignition, the leak posed no danger to nearby homes and businesses. The main priority was the containment of the spill to keep leakage out of waterways and greenery.
The truck and its trailer were uprighted at approximately 3 p.m.
