GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Interstate 75 near Gainesville reopened Tuesday night after it was closed to traffic due to an overturned tanker truck that spilled hazardous materials, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened just before 6 a.m. Tuesday, on the southbound side of I-75, FHP said in a news release. Two tractor-trailers, two pickup trucks, one SUV and one passenger vehicle were involved.
In an update Tuesday afternoon, it was revealed that the liquid spilled on the roadway was styrene, which is a clear, colorless liquid used to make plastics, paints, synthetic rubbers and more. The truck reportedly hydroplaned from the sleek road, leading to a series of reactions and collisions.
The extent of any injuries is still unknown.
Northbound traffic was routed off the State Road 222 exit, while southbound traffic was diverted at the U.S. 441 High Springs exit, state troopers said.
Chemical cleanup efforts continued through much of Tuesday evening. Roads were reopened at around 10:15 p.m.