SC interstate reopened after chemical leak shutdown

Interstate 20 reopened late Wednesday night after a chemical release at a nearby plant caused the busy interstate to be closed to traffic for hours.

All lanes of I-20 were closed near Elgin between Exit 82 and 92 shortly after 6 p.m., WLTX-TV reported. The station reported that a leak at the nearby Weylchem facility had released an unidentified chemical into the air. In addition to the lane closures, the nearby area was evacuated by officials, with Lugoff-Elgin High School briefly becoming a shelter for those displaced.

The interstate was reopened after 10 p.m., when officials determined the area was safe.

The chemical manufacturer released a statement during the incident to WIS.

“On 07/27/2022 at approximately 5:45pm, we had an incident at the WeylChem US Inc. facility in Elgin, SC,” the statement reads. “First and foremast, we have the highest regard for the safety of our employees, our environment, and our neighbors.”

“ All employees were evacuated immediately, and there was full notification to the authorities. There were no injuries. The authorities are onsite assisting in response and have set up a secure perimeter.”

“We will not bring the unit back online until we can complete a full investigation and understand the source of the issue,” the statement concludes.