Section of West Virginia Turnpike Closed After Chemical Accident

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) is asking drivers to look for detour routes following an accident involving a truck carrying hazardous chemicals.

The incident occurred on Thursday, August 25, on the northern lane of the West Virginia Highway at the Skitter Creek Bridge.

A truck carrying hazmat lost control and crashed into a barrier wall. As it became known, the truck was transporting a solution of amines.

The liquid spilled along the highway, and the truck blocked the north and south lanes of the highway.

WVDOT posted detour information:

• Traffic heading north will follow Turnpike Detour A and detour at the North Beckley Exit 48 (US 19), proceed past Summersville to Interstate 79 Exit 57, then south to Charleston.
• Southbound traffic will also follow Turnpike Detour A. From Charleston, traffic should follow Interstate 79 north from Charleston to Exit 57, then proceed south on US 19 to North Beckley, Exit 48.

Officials say the chemical spill has been contained and a team to clean up the road is on its way.

There is no information when the highway will be opened.