MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Several residents have been evacuated after the crash near here of two semi-trailers early Wednesday, one of them carrying chlorine tablets, reports CBS Nashville affiliate WTVF.
The collision happened on Interstate 24.
One semi was hauling chlorine tablets for pools, and officials worried about oxidation from those tablets making the air dangerous to breathe, the station says.
It was unclear if the semi was on fire or leaking.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office urged residents in the Buchanan Estates area to remains in their homes.
Some residents in the Buchanan Estates area were being evacuated.
Chlorine is the most widely used disinfectant in water and wastewater treatment plants in the world.
Chlorine itself doesn’t burn, but gives off fumes and can be explosive if mixed with gasoline. First responders have been monitoring the risk of smoke or vapors which can burn eyes, skin and lungs.
One official told the station there was no initial indication of any plume of chlorine gas, but all precautions were being taken.
Officials with Rutherford County Schools said the situation wasn’t affecting the district directly and there was “no reason to close any schools” yet.
