Memphis was met with a roadway crisis on Monday morning, when approximately 2,000 gallons of a hazardous solution, identified as calcium bromide, was spilled on McLemore Avenue according to reports from WREG. The Memphis Fire Department (MFD) was on the scene and had contained the spill, ensuring the area was stabilized, and noted no additional hazardous substances present at the initial assessment.
Following the spill, efforts were made to fully to contain the aftermath, with the Memphis Fire Department efficiently controlling traffic until a specialized cleanup company could arrive on site, as Action News 5 reported. The necessary road closures included Riverside Blvd., South Parkway, and E. Trigg Avenue, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area.
The impact of the spill extended to the nearby Interstate 55 at McLemore Road, where MFD personnel confirmed the scene's stability but remained active directing the flow of vehicles and maintaining perimeter security. According to a statement conveyed by Local Memphis, cleanup crews were anticipated to work diligently throughout the day to manage the toxic substance.
While the calcium bromide solution, a material not classified as highly toxic, posed an immediate irritant and potential health risk, the Memphis Fire Department contained the spill successfully. Official responses emphasized that the substance can cause irritation and possibly other health issues upon exposure. Motorists and residents were advised to avoid the area to minimize any risk to public health.
