I-79 CLOSED BECAUSE OF HAZMAT SPILL

(02/22/2004)
A tanker truck carrying hazardous materials has either turned over or wrecked near Clendenin on I-79.

It has been declared a HazMat Disaster, although the tanker reportedly did not spill acid.

A Courtesy Patrol worker near the scene told the Hur Herald at 5:30 p.m. the Department of Highways, regional fire departments and other emergency crews "Have the situation under control, but it may be midnight before the interstate is opened."

The Courtesy Patrol worker said traffic going north on I-79 is being routed off the interstate at Clendenin, and traffic is detouring on State Route 4 along the Elk River.

Traffic coming south on I-79 is being put off at the Wallback-Clay exit for detour on State Route 4.