The Westbound lanes of I-40 remain closed in Dickson County after a crash involving a gas tanker, but eastbound lanes have been reopened. The tanker was on its side and reportedly leaking gas.
Officials with the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office said the 18-wheeler went off the shoulder Tuesday morning and flipped onto its side.
The crash happened at mile marker 178, between the Fairview and Highway 840 interchanges.
Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson Heather Jensen said both westbound and eastbound lanes were closed while crews worked at the scene. Eastbound lanes were closed for about eight hours.
Officials with the Dickson County Fire Department said it could be two more hours before the westbound lanes of the interstate were reopened around 6 p.m.
The driver was transported to the hospital but the nature of the injuries was unknown.
Another semi drove off the shoulder behind the crash scene, but officials said it was not part of the initial crash.
The driver of that semi said he saw break lights ahead of him, but he knew he wouldn't be able to stop. He took the ditch, but was not injured. He said he was driving from Ohio to Texas with non-perishable food and would be able to continue once the road was clear.
Eastbound traffic was diverted to HWY 840 at mile marker 176. Westbound traffic was diverted to HWY 96 at exit 182.
Drivers have been advised to seek alternate routes.
