Truck carrying ammonia on I-81 crashes in Augusta County, portions of interstate closed

GREENVILLE — Portions of Interstate 81 were closed Monday morning in Augusta County following the crash of a tanker truck, authorities said.

The truck was southbound on I-81 when the driver had a medical emergency near mile marker 212, Virginia State Police said. The truck sideswiped another vehicle before crashing in the median.

Virginia State Police said the truck was carrying ammonia.

"This is expected to be an extended closure," according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The crash took place at about 10 a.m.

The driver of the truck was taken to an area hospital. Police said the driver of the vehicle that was sideswiped was not injured.

Hazmat crews were on scene shortly after the crash.

Delays along U.S. 11 were also anticipated as traffic was detoured. The crash incident was between exit 205 (Raphine) and exit 213 (Greenville), VDOT said.

All northbound and southbound lanes of I-81 were closed near mile marker 210.7 in Augusta County.

"I-81 is expected to remain closed through the afternoon hours on Monday due to hazmat and crash cleanup operations," VDOT said.

VDOT said to expect major delays on I-81 and U.S. 11 in southern Augusta County and northern Rockbridge County, and to avoid the area if possible.

More: Staunton's public defender retires after 30-year career

More: Athlete of the week: Time to vote for the top performer in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County

Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter)

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: VSP: Truck carrying ammonia crashes on I-81 in Augusta County