JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tennessee — Authorities are on the scene of a hazmat incident on I-40 East near Swann's Bridge in Jefferson County.
According to Dandridge Fire Chief Andrew Riley, a car was transporting nuclear medicine vials to North Carolina when it crossed cable barriers in the middle of the interstate and rolled over multiple times. Two of the three containers were compromised, Riley said.
Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses radioactive materials to diagnose and treat different diseases, according to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
There was only one driver in the car at the time of the crash and was reportedly "not hurt." However, a Jefferson County deputy was exposed to the materials but will be OK, according to Riley.
Interstate 40 East will remain closed until further notice.
According to Riley, once the company responsible for the vials is on the scene, they will be secured and the interstate will reopen. They hope to have the interstate back by 2:30 p.m.
Traffic is being diverted onto Highway 70 at mile marker 424, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
TDOT, TEMA, Jefferson County EMA and Dandridge Fire are on the scene.
This story is ongoing and we will update you as we learn more.