KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Road closures are no longer in place on Kingston Pike near Cedar Bluff after a tractor-trailer leaked a type of hydrochloric acid solution, the Knoxville Fire Department said.
KFD said it did not know of any direct exposure to the public. It said hydrochloric acid in its concentrated form has a strong, irritating odor and is corrosive. It said the acid can irritate people's lungs, causing a cough or shortness of breath.
It can also cause eye damage if splashed into a person's eye, KFD. Ingesting it can also cause severe injuries. Symptoms from breathing in hydrochloric acid include bluish colors in people's lips and fingernails, chest tightness, choking, rapid pulse, dizziness or even coughing up blood. Anyone experiencing these kinds of symptoms who were directly exposed to the acid should seek medical attention, KFD said.
Kingston Pike from Ebeneezer Road to Cedar Bluff Road was closed in both directions Monday afternoon. KFD Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks said it was possible the road wouldn't open until late Monday or early Tuesday, after "a significant amount" leaked onto the ground.
By 5:45 p.m., the fire department said both eastbound and westbound lanes of Kingston Pike were back open.
The department had isolated the area, according to Wilbanks. A Regions Bank location near the spill had also been evacuated as a precaution.
KFD said its top priorities regarding the incident are:
- The safety of citizens and responders
- To slow or stop the spill
- Environmental protection
- Proper spill clean-up
- Open the roadway as soon as possible
The truck's driver is not hurt. The trucking company, R + L Carriers, had to hire someone to clean up the spill, according to KFD.
This story is ongoing and we will update you as we learn more.