Fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-40 involves military equipment, one dead

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Update —

ARDOT confirmed that one of the tractor-trailers involved was carrying military equipment. Louisiana officials were called in to remove the equipment because it could be potentially explosive.

A grassland fire broke out at 5:30 p.m., heading east toward Brinkley at mile marker 211.

Shortly after, an accident involving three semi-trailers occurred. According to the ASP, one person died in the accident.

Officials are urging people to use Interstate 70 to bypass the crash as cleanup operations are expected to last several hours. A one-mile evacuation radius is in place until the equipment is safely handled.

Original —

Arkansas State Police are working a crash involving three tractor-trailers on I-40 eastbound near Brinkley.

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, this is an accident with injuries. They also say hazardous materials are involved.

All lanes are expected to be blocked for an extended period of time. Traffic is currently being diverted eastbound on the highway via Exit 202 and westbound on Exit 216.

For the most up-to-date information on traffic closures, click here.

This story will be updated as new information becomes available.