Coordinating the cleanup of unexploded commercial ordnance required bomb technicians, environmental cleanup specialists, and state mechanics. The table below outlines the progression from initial fire dispatch to highway reopening.
| Timeframe | Emergency Response Action | Traffic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2:14 PM, 2:25 PM | Initial axle fire spreads; pyrotechnics detonate horizontally across traffic lanes. | I-75 North comes to an abrupt halt; queue grows to 3 miles. |
| 2:30 PM, 4:45 PM | THP establishes safety perimeter; fire crews contain peripheral brush fires. | Complete I-75 North road closure; regional detours deployed via US routes. |
| 4:45 PM, 7:15 PM | Bomb squad and hazmat crews neutralize unspent ordnance; TDOT clears blast debris. | Delays reach 12 miles; alternate routes experience multi-hour gridlock. |
| 7:30 PM, 9:00 PM | Charred trailer removed; TDOT evaluates asphalt stability and repairs guardrail. | One lane reopens at 7:45 PM; all lanes cleared by 9:00 PM. |
