I-40 reopens in Monroe County morning after deadly crash involving 18-wheelers, hazardous military materials

MONROE COUNTY, Ark. – All lanes on Interstate 40 is now open the morning after a deadly crash involving several 18-wheeler trucks in Monroe County.

Officials with the Arkansas Department of Transportation reported a crash involving three 18-wheelers near Brinkley just after 5:30 p.m. Monday.

ARDOT officials said that a military truck stopped due to low visibility from a grass fire, causing the crash between the other two 18-wheelers. One of the drivers was killed in the crash, officials said.

A spokesperson with ARDOT said that the crash involved materials that are “military in nature.” Officials with the Department of Defense arrived at the scene around 3:15 a.m., officials said.

Traffic officials said that there were two stacks of rockets on the scene, but one has been removed.

Officials with Brinkley Public Schools said Monday night that buses may be delayed Tuesday morning due to the backup on I-40.

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