MATHISTON, Miss.–A tanker truck leaking anhydrous ammonia, which is dangerous when inhaled and could be an explosion hazard, is what shut down parts of Hwy. 82 near Mathiston Wednesday night. About 300 homes and businesses were also evacuated.
Part of the Natchez Trace Parkway was also shut down.
As of 5 a.m., all roads and highways had been reopened and families were being allowed to return to their homes, said Fire Chief Lee Gilliland.
The truck was reported leaking by the driver at about 7:30.
A number of local businesses were also closed because of the leak.
The Highway Patrol, the Miss. Dept. of Environmental Quality and hazmat teams were on scene, with the Webster County Sheriff’s Dept. and Mathiston Police.
