Toxic chemical spill closes connector for hours

ATLANTA — Two drivers are facing charges after a crash led to a toxic chemical spill and closed the Downtown Connector for hours Monday morning.

Crews reopened the southbound lanes just before 6:30 a.m. Monday. The northbound lanes reopened at 7:30 a.m.

Channel 2's Audrey Washington was at the scene of the crash talking to authorities.

There was heavy Atlanta fire and police presence at the scene of the crash Monday morning.

Atlanta police said the truck carrying the chemicals overturned during a crash with an SUV. The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries.

[Download the WSB-TV news app for breaking news alerts about traffic]

The tractor-trailer was flipped onto its side and began spilling toxic material.

Atlanta Fire and Rescue Sgt. Cortez Stafford said the area was contained and not a danger to people around it.

Officials were forced to close both the north and southbound lanes of I-75 and 85 at 10th Street from 3 a.m. until 6:30 a.m.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Bride, groom flying to wedding booted from United flight
• 2-year-old strangled to death in Gwinnett County
• It could be 9 months before mother walks after head-on crash

Washington received a statement from police about whether it was legal for the tractor trailer to be on the connector.

"Some interstate travel through the City is restricted, however, there are several instances where travel is permitted," they said.

Georgia State University delayed its classes until 10 a.m. Monday due to the crash.

Cox Media Group