I-85 in Franklin County, GA Reopened After Toxic Spill

Photo Courtesy of Sister Station WLHR 92.1 FM

(Photo Courtesy of our sister station WLHR 92.1 FM)

Interstate 85 in Franklin County has reopened after a crash and hazardous material spill. All lanes of I-85 north were shut down for about ten hours as crews cleaned up after a tanker overturned and spilled on I-85 North Sunday evening around 5:00 pm at exit 160 near Carnesville.

The Franklin County, GA Sheriff’s Office said that a hazmat team was called in from Gainesville who determined the spill was that of a chemical called methyl acrylate, a highly toxic, flammable irritant used in the manufacturing of leather finished resins, textile and paper coatings, plastic films, and vitamin B1.

The crash forced the evacuation of residents and businesses within a one-mile radius on both sides of Highway 51 near the Petro/Flying J Travel Center.

No one was hurt in the accident, according to officials.