Benton County, Tenn.–Benton County Schools are closed today and the Camden Water Department has issued a conservation order to conserve water following a fatal accident last night that has shut down both directions of Hwy. 70.
The fatal wreck involved four vehicles, including a tractor-trailer carrying hazardous material, in this case liquid ammonia. Plus, a TDOT truck on the scene was hit by a car and burst into flames this morning.
And in the process, a main water line has been broken.
The THP has not issued a report on the accident yet.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office issued an update: “There will be no school due to a water main break that happened during a wreck on HWY 70 E.
Due to the loss of water, it is asked to conserve as much water as possible, by using only that water that is essential.”
In an update, the Camden Water Department reports: “CWD utility crews are currently on standby waiting for THP and TEMA to clear the accident scene and all hazards to be mitigated prior to repair efforts getting started. We still have a conservation order in place to conserve water. We have also issued a boil water advisory, as we are getting many reports of low water pressure or no water service in many parts of our system. We are working with TEMA to get a bottled water distribution point set up in the morning at the Camden Fire Department at 119 West Main Street. We will notify the public when bottled water supplies are available. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work diligently to restore service to our valued customers.
John Beasley, Superintendent
City of Camden Water Department”
Photo by New Johnsonville PD.