Rain, Brass, and a Bridge Rescue
On a rainy night near Morristown, a tractor-trailer carrying 47,000 pounds of brass fittings lost control on I-81. Skidding across the slick roadway, it crashed into and over the bridge railing near mile marker 15. When we got the call for this job, we put our tow truck operators on immediate alert. The truck’s precarious position over the edge of the bridge, with spilled diesel and cargo scattered across the road, required a major I-81 heavy recovery response. Operating in the dark with lights set up strategically to illuminate the scene, we had to clear the highway as quickly as possible.
Containing the Fuel Spill and Securing the Scene
Arriving on-site, our team of eight immediately began working with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and TDOT HELP trucks to manage traffic and secure the area.
The immediate next step was managing the fallout from hazardous material spills. Hazmat containment is a crucial part of some towing jobs. Especially when fuel or other hazardous materials spill during a crash. Fast containment helps prevent environmental damage, reduces fire risk, and keeps nearby areas safe for responders and the public.
The South Hamblen Fire Department quickly deployed booms to prevent the diesel spill from reaching beyond the bridge. Our team followed by placing Spill Tackle absorbent on the fuel pooling on the bridge deck to contain further contamination.
Lifting and Moving the Tractor for Cargo Cleanup
To tackle the next phase of this I-81 heavy recovery, we used the 50-ton rotator to lift the truck’s cab and prepare it for loading. The scattered cargo was loaded into roll-off containers while waiting for the Traileze trailer. After securing the tractor onto the trailer, we loaded its dislodged axles alongside it. Our team then used the 75-ton rotator on the bridge to lift the damaged trailer. In the meantime, the 50-ton rotator below guided it to Fish Hatchery Road below the bridge. Throughout this process, we loaded loose brass fittings from the damaged trailer into the roll-offs. This was to ensure the cargo was safely managed before moving the trailer off the bridge.
Final Cleanup and Road Restoration
After carefully moving the tractor, trailer, and cargo, we swept the bridge using a contained broom and applied another layer of Spill Tackle absorbent to keep the road safe. The road was clear after six hours, allowing TDOT to repair the damaged rail. By then, the sun was already up. Our team worked a full ten hours on this I-81 heavy recovery to ensure every piece of debris, fuel, and cargo was removed safely.
Casper’s: A Skilled I-81 Heavy Recovery Team for Complex Jobs
This I-81 heavy recovery was a real test of grit, and our team leaned in with everything we had. Armed with powerhouse rigs and sharp expertise, we pushed through until the morning hours, cleared the wreckage, and got traffic flowing again. At Casper’s Wrecker Service, there’s nothing we take more seriously than keeping our roads open and safe. And our operators are always honored to give our first responders a helping hand for I-81 heavy recovery jobs. We’re fired up to be the team our community can count on—no matter how big the challenge.