A portion of Interstate 26 was closed Friday afternoon after an 18-wheeler overturned at the intersection with U.S. 301, causing a chemical spill.

Officials closed down exit 154 and the surrounding area of U.S. 301 as a precautionary measure, according to Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director John Smith.

The nearby Waffle House restaurant and several gas stations close to the accident were evacuated as well.

Smith said a Hazmat team has been able to contain the leak of the chemical sodium bisulfate.  An estimated 50 gallons spilled onto the grass.  A contractor is coming to the scene to pump the remainder of the chemical out of the vehicle, Smith said.

The driver of the vehicle was injured and transported to the hospital, Smith said.

Sgt. Albert Mobley of the S.C. Highway Patrol said the cleanup could take a couple of hours to complete. 

Sodium bisulfate is used in household cleaners, pet foods and swimming pool chemicals. Inhaling the chemical can cause upper respiratory damage and irritation of the nose and throat.

 Further coverage of the accident can be found in Saturday’s edition of The Times and Democrat.

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