Several gallons of a chemical were spilled onto parts of I-285 in southwest Atlanta, causing northbound lanes to shut down for hours Thursday.
Delays started around 3 p.m. when officials first reported “debris” on the interstate before Langford Parkway, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. Atlanta fire officials later confirmed that the concrete-hardening agent containing sulfuric acid spilled from two overturned containers. About 250 gallons were being stored in each container, authorities added.
All lanes are now reopened! https://t.co/pbLKqjMoGw
— Atlanta-Fulton County EMA (@AFCEMA) December 8, 2023
Contractors were called to the scene to clean up the spill, according to the Atlanta Fulton-County Emergency Management Agency. The agency said that after the spill was cleared, the road had to be assessed. Lanes reopened just before 2 a.m. Friday.
Two HERO workers were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital after coming into contact with the spilled substance prior to firefighters arriving at the scene, fire officials confirmed. One employee walked through the road deemed contaminated and another smelled and touched the substance. The extent of their injuries was not provided.
🚨 RED ALERT SW ATL: I-285/nb (Inner Loop) shut down n. of Hwy. 166 (Exit 5), chemical spill cleanup. Delays both ways. Take Camp Creek or I-85/nb. #ATLtraffic @wsbradio @wsbtraffic pic.twitter.com/PGvh4h0Q5B
— 🔥Fireball Turnbull 🚁 (@DougTurnbull) December 7, 2023
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