I-20: Columbia Highway Reopens Following Hazardous Material Spill

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDG/WAGE) -- On Tuesday afternoon, a truck veered off the edge of a bridge at the intersection of Columbia Highway and Interstate 20 in Aiken County, leading to the release of hazardous substances and causing the closure of multiple miles of the interstate.

By 5:30 a.m., all lanes of I-20 had been reopened; however, Columbia Highway remained closed.

By 11:20 a.m., Columbia Highway had been reopened.

According to deputies, the material has been confirmed as methyl acetate, a substance that is extremely combustible.

A single individual was transported to the medical facility; however, the extent of their injuries remains unclear, as reported by the sheriff's office.

Based on fresh information provided by authorities, the freight liner was moving eastward on Interstate 20 when it departed from the roadway towards the left close to exit 22. The incident occurred just before the vehicle collided with structures situated between both bridges at the Highway 1 junction point. At this time, the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues their investigation into precisely why the truck drifted away from I-20.

People in the area are being asked to shelter in place due to the hazardous material.

The county posted on Facebook and issued an alert via the CodeRed app to notify residents.

During the closures, eastbound vehicles are being directed off the interstate at Edgefield Highway, Exit 18, while westbound traffic is being diverted at Wire Road, Exit 29, according to the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.

The Center Fire & Rescue Department states that the roadway will remain closed for a minimum of 10 hours.

Columbia Highway is blocked northbound and southbound, and detours are in place.

Sheriffs advise motorists to steer clear of both the interstate and the highway.

PHOTO GALLERY: BIG-RIG WRECK

The event occurred approximately at 5 p.m., and there will be closures for an unspecified duration, according to deputies.

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