Traffic stalls on I-40 after crash involving lithium batteries creates hazard

UPDATE (9/5/25): Crews work over 16 hours to clear hazardous I-40 crash

UPDATE (7:15 p.m.): According to the Henderson County Fire Department, one lane eastbound is now open.

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Officials are working to clear an area of I-40 eastbound due to a hazardous scene resulting from a crash.

Henderson County officials are asking travelers to avoid the area of I-40 eastbound after an 18-wheeler hauling a 74,000 pound lithium-ion battery was involved in a crash at mile marker 119 earlier this afternoon.

Henderson County Fire and EMA responded, as well as a crew from the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Crews were waiting on the company that made the battery to arrive to determine if it was safe to move.

Drones with infrared technology were also inbound to monitor the temperature of the battery from a safe distance. Back at exit 108, eastbound traffic was backed up an estimated 5 miles due to the closure.

Officials say to expect heavy traffic through Lexington as a result of this crash and that the timeframe for the reopening of the interstate is unclear at this time.

As of 4:46p.m., I-40 westbound has opened again, but eastbound remains closed until further notice.

This article will be continually updated as more information becomes available.

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