Hazmat Explosion Kills 3 on Virginia Highway

WOODSTOCK, Va. -- A major accident on I-81 involving a tractor trailer hauling hazardous materials has brought southbound traffic to a standstill and has forced evacuations in the area.

Officials tell 9NEWS NOW a tractor trailer carrying a corrosive agent ran into a median near mile marker 284 then bumped into another tractor trailer, causing an explosion that has killed three people. Virginia State Police officials say three tractor trailers and one passenger vehicle were involved in the accident, which occurred around 11:30 Monday night.

Officials with the Shenandoah County Sheriff's Department say the incident has also forced some residents to evacuate their homes in the Woodstock area while hazmat crews work to make the area safe. The Red Cross has been called to the scene to help evacuees.

The Shenandoah Sheriff's Department has set up two command posts and deputies have been posted to detour southbound traffic on I-81 at the Toms Brook exit and northbound I-81 has reopened. Detoured traffic is being directed to Route 11. Officials cannot give an estimate as to how long it will take to clear the accident scene and reopen the roadway.

Shenandoah County Public Schools have also cancelled classes for Tuesday due to the incident.

Republished with permission of WUSA-TV.