ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A stretch of Interstate 40 was closed Thursday morning after a tanker truck hauling milk overturned and spilled its contents into Muddy Creek, prompting a multi-agency response, officials said.

The crash occurred shortly before 5 a.m. near mile marker 92.5 at the McDowell-Burke county line, causing the closure of westbound lanes at Exit 94 near Dysartsville Road. One lane has since reopened, but motorists are advised to use caution as emergency crews remain on the scene.

Emergency responders from McDowell, Burke, and Catawba counties, along with the North Carolina Regional Hazmat Team from the Asheville Fire Department, worked to contain the spill. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) is assisting with mitigating the environmental impact.

Officials reported that the driver of the tanker was not injured. The spill has affected Muddy Creek, and crews are expected to remain on site throughout the day to manage cleanup and containment.

Authorities warned of significant traffic disruptions in the area and urged westbound drivers to seek alternate routes. While officials estimated the roadway could remain closed until around 8 p.m., no official reopening time had been confirmed as of Thursday morning.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.