The Thruway Authority, which operates Interstate 84 in New York State Wednesday afternoon shut down the westbound highway at exit 6 due to a suspicious substance at the Wallkill Rest Area east of the Middletown area. First reports indicated a highly toxic and flammable liquid had leaked from a truck.

Orange County HazMat and area fire departments responded to the scene and it was later determined the chemical was not one that would pose a serious danger of explosion or fire.

After cleanup and investigation, the highway was reopened, although the rest area remained closed for some time.

Scores of drivers were trapped, for a few hours, by the shutdown. A long line of large trucks could be seen backed up at Exit 5. Police blocked Route 208 northbound at that exit.

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