The Missouri State Highway Patrol says approximately 20,000 pounds of a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil was spilled in a tractor trailer accident near Cameron this morning. Cameron is about 40 miles northeast of Kansas City.
Interstate 35 and U.S. 36 Highway are closed at Cameron and a half-mile area has been evacuated due to the spill. The closure is expected to last until 9:00pm Friday night Ammonium nitrate is explosive, but requires an ignition source.
MODOT says the spill has been contained and the area is secure, but clean-up efforts are ongoing. Motorists traveling in the area should expect delays.
According to MoDOT, the northbound and southbound exits on Interstate 35 at Cameron are closed. Northbound I-35 traffic is being diverted onto Business Loop 35. Southbound I-35 traffic is being routed through Cameron on U.S. 69 Highway. U.S. 36 Highway is closed eastbound at U.S. 69 Highway and westbound at Route D and J. Motorists at this location are being directed to side roads.
The spill occurred as a result of damage to a tank trailer. Fire officials report the truck is owned by Esterbrook Trucking of West Jordan, Utah. Clean-up efforts will be overseen by emergency environmental responders from the Department of Natural Resources.
Check MODOT’s Traveler Information map for updates on the spill.
