UPDATE: Truck cited for multiple hazardous materials violations after fireworks explode on I-75

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: A pickup truck towing a trailer full of fireworks burst into flames on I-75 in Hamilton County on Saturday, sending fireworks shooting into the air and forcing officials to temporarily shut down both north and southbound lanes.

Witness Cameron Parker says he first heard the explosions before realizing what was happening.

"I heard it before I saw it, and it honestly sounded like gunshots, and I could see people starting to kind of stop their cars and gathering on the bridge,” says Parker.

People watched from nearby overpasses as fireworks continued exploding from the burning trailer.

Parker says, "it was definitely a wild experience. I think all of us on the bridge were just kind of in awe of it."

Kasey Coleman was also among those who witnessed the scene unfold.

"And I said, ‘Oh my gosh, they're fireworks, their fireworks exploding off the highway,’” said Coleman.

But while the display may have looked entertaining from a distance, investigators say the situation posed real dangers.

Now, a Tennessee Highway Patrol investigation uncovered multiple hazardous materials violations.

According to THP, the carrier lacked hazardous materials registration, emergency response information, shipping papers, warning placards, and a properly endorsed driver.

Investigators also say the vehicle was missing a required USDOT number.

Major Travis Plotzer with THP says those regulations are designed to protect both the public and emergency crews responding to incidents.

"The reason why these regulations are in place, one, obviously, so the driver can make sure that their load is loaded safely, but also the placards and the shipping papers are very valuable tools for first responders to have whenever they respond to an incident like this, so they know what type of hazardous material that they're actually encountering,” says Maj. Plotzer.

THP says the driver was cited for not having the required hazardous materials endorsement, and the case will be further reviewed.



From Local 3 News: A pickup truck and box trailer carrying a whole load of fireworks went up in flames (and sparkles) on I-75 north in Hamilton County Saturday evening.

The Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department said no one was injured, but as a precaution, both northbound and southbound lanes of I-75 were temporarily shut down due to the ongoing firework explosions.

Crews from the Chattanooga Fire Department also responded to the scene, while Catoosa County and Highway 58 fire departments helped maintain emergency response coverage throughout their district.

Several people got out of their cars to watch the spectacle, which came just under a month before July 4th. Viewers like Benjamin Williamson sent us videos and photos from all angles.

No word yet on what sparked the fire.

All lanes have since reopened after highway crews cleared the debris off the road.

“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of motorists who were affected by the closures and would like to thank all assisting agencies for their support.”

- Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department