A semi-truck crash at the I-24 and I-40 split in Nashville brought traffic to a halt on Friday, July 11, after the vehicle veered off the roadway and landed in westbound lanes.

According to WSMV and WKRN, the truck was traveling eastbound on I-40 when it left the roadway, broke through the guardrail, and went down an embankment into oncoming traffic on westbound I-40. The crash happened near the I-24 split in Davidson County and caused extensive lane closures and delays throughout the morning and afternoon.

The truck was carrying electrical components, including transformers and batteries, which began leaking oil upon impact. Approximately 150 gallons of diesel fuel also spilled, prompting the Nashville Fire Department’s HAZMAT team to contain the hazardous material.

The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.

Due to the heavy debris and hazardous material cleanup, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) estimated road clearance would take several hours. While one lane reopened by 1:50 p.m., full lane access wasn’t restored until after 4:10 p.m.

Motorists were diverted at the Spence Lane exit, and the ramp to I-65 South was temporarily shut down. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by high-speed freight travel in tight urban corridors and the importance of rapid emergency response in minimizing downstream disruptions.