More than 24 hours after a crash involving hazardous chemicals, Interstate 40 in Cumberland County remained closed. In all 80 miles of I-40 were closed off to the general public. Saturday night the conditions prompted an evacuation of the area due to the chemical reaction with the rain.

By Sunday evening, Hazardous waste professionals were in the process of offloading more than 3,000 gallons of the hazardous waste material containing Titanium Tetrachloride into the specially made tanker. The evacuation order for the area remained in effect along with the road closures into Sunday night.The fire chief said they were fortunate not a drop of the Titanium Tetrachloride spilled onto the ground.

Late Saturday night the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency said a mandatory precautionary evacuation of a two mile radius of the accident had been issued. Officials said the rain would react with the Titanium Tetrachloride and create Hydrochloric Acid.

"Though we are all in a rush, and we certainly understand everyone's apprehension to having to Interstates closed down, we just don't want to risk anyone's life unnecessarily, and certainly not these emergency responders that's trying to take care of this situation. As frustrated as we all are, in the end we'll have a good outcome," said Chief Jeff Dodson Cumberland County Fire.

The reverse 911 system contacted 150 homes and businesses in a two-mile radius and told people who live in the area they had to leave. Rescue squads and law enforcement also went door to door to warn residents.

One evacuee, Darrell McQueen said it was rough for him and his dogs.

"It's not easy. It's tough. Infact, we stayed in a Wal-Mart parking lot last night because I couldn't find the church," said McQueen.

The Red Cross opened shelters at The First Baptist Church on Peavine Road, Church of the Latter Day Saints on Genesis Road, and the Believer's Fellowship just off 317 exit on 127 North.The only shelter that was still open by Sunday night was the Latter Day Saints on Genesis Road exit 320.Evacuees learned Sunday night they will have to sleep away from home again; 29 people took advantage of the Red Cross shelters.

The trouble started around 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon at mile 329 on Interstate 40 when there was an accident. involving a tractor trailer and three cars. Officials said a vehicle hydroplaned. Several people were transported to the hospital, but according to reports, none of those injuries were life threatening.