FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS, Ill. — A crash involving a semitruck hauling hazmat material early Friday morning closed a portion of Interstate 57 in Franklin County, Illinois.
The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency reported at about 5:45 a.m. Friday a semitruck carrying high-pressure containers of acetylene gas had partially rolled over near Mile Marker 68 on northbound I-57.
The interstate was closed for hours in both directions between the West Frankfort and Benton exits as emergency services responded, and the public was advised to avoid the area, according to Franklin County EMA.
As of 10:45 a.m., one southbound lane was reopened to traffic, according to an update from Franklin County EMA. I-57 northbound and Yellowbanks Road crossing the interstate remained closed as crews continued working to mitigate the hazmat situation.
Franklin County EMA said there was no active threat to the public or surrounding area.
Acetylene is a colorless gas with a faint garlic-like odor that is easily ignited, according to an article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat can cause containers carrying the gas to "rupture violently and rocket."
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