THP: Driver lacked hazmat registration and placard in I-75 truck fire near Ooltewah

[00:00:00]Before I could get to the bridge, I could hear it before I saw it. And it kind of sounded like gunshots. And um as I went across the bridge, I could see the truck on fire. The traffic was already stopped on both sides, and people were starting to, you know, congregate on the bridge.

[00:00:15]>> Drivers sat in traffic for hours with both sides of the interstate shut down.

[00:00:20]And this explosion happened during a trip from South Pittsburgh to Knox County. The THP says Beeler did not have a hazardous material registration, proper shipping papers, or the required USDOT number.

[00:00:36]>> It's one thing to go to a 4th of July fireworks and have like maybe 50 lb worth. So, if it's over 1,001 lb, it needs to be if it's a hazardous material, uh types of corrosive materials, explosives, you need to have it placarded.

[00:00:51]>> That's because it's important to signal to first responders if your trailer contains hazardous cargo.