SEMI-TRUCK ROLLOVER BLOCKS I-40 EASTBOUND FOR HOURS NEAR ROCKWOOD
A semi-truck rollover on Interstate 40 at the 345-mile marker completely blocked all eastbound lanes, including the shoulder, around noon yesterday, causing a major traffic backup that affected drivers heading east on Highway 70 through the Westel area and Rockwood.
The truck, which was hauling coffee and carried no hazardous materials, was the only vehicle involved in the accident, and the driver did not appear to be seriously injured. Some fuel leakage occurred, but it was handled by the West Roane County Fire Department and emergency management officials.
Traffic remained at a standstill until a wrecker arrived to move the rig, and the interstate was not fully reopened to through traffic until around 2:00 p.m.
