Interstate 40 near Ozark, Arkansas, was shut down in both directions after a truck hauling explosives crashed and caught fire shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
The highway was closed between mile markers 24 and 35. Police say the situation is dangerous because the truck fire has ignited some of the ammunition, leading to several explosions.
According to local 4029-TV news, the driver swerved to avoid a car that cut him off on Interstate 40, and ended up sliding down an embankment at mile marker 30 and crashing underneath a bridge.
One fatality has been reported. The identity of the deceased person has not been released, however it’s believed to be the driver of the truck.
Traffic is currently being diverted onto Highway 65. The Arkansas Dept. of Transportation posted the following closure information.
A witness captured this footage at the scene, showing several large explosions coming from the truck.
As of 8:02 P.M. (CST) the highway remains closed. You can check the official Arkansas Highway and Transportation website for the latest traffic conditions.
Update: A husband and wife team that were operating the truck died in the crash. Their names have not yet been released. They worked for Alabama-based Baggett Transportation.