Fatal multi-vehicle accident on I-40, military equipment involved, one dead

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Update (10:18 p.m.)

Governor Sanders released a statement about the incident via her X-Account:

Update —

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

At 5:30 p.m. a grass fire broke out eastbound toward Brinkley at mile marker 211.

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

Authorities are asking the public to use Highway 70 to avoid the accident site as cleanup efforts will take several hours. A one-mile evacuation radius is in place until equipment is safely stowed.

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Arkansas State Police are investigating a crash involving three semi-trucks on I-40 eastbound near Brinkley.

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, it was an accident with injuries. They also said that hazardous substances were involved.

All lanes are expected to be closed for an extended period of time. Traffic is currently being diverted from the interstate eastbound via exit 202 and westbound via exit 216.

Click here for the latest information on traffic closures.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.