Traffic on SH 146 south of the FM 787 intersection in Rye will come to a standstill this afternoon while hazmat crews try to offload the contents of a refrigerated trailer that was involved in a two-vehicle crash Monday.
While the crash was minor with no reported injuries, the axle of the trailer was damaged, making it inoperable. Inside the refrigerated trailer is organic peroxide, which must be kept below 50 degrees. If the peroxide reaches temperatures above that, it could cause a major explosion.
Organic peroxide is the same compound that caused explosions and a plant fire at the Arkema facility in Crosby, Texas, during Hurricane Harvey.
The highway shutdown will extend from FM 787 in Rye south to one mile past the crash site, located near the Pct. 2 waste disposal center, 27869 SH 146 North. Authorities cannot say how long the offloading will take but commuters should make alternate travel plans in the afternoon and early evening hours.
According to Pct. 3 Deputy Constable Hugh Bishop, Hardin ISD buses that travel to Rye will be diverted west on SH 105 in Moss Hill to FM 2518 in Tarkington, then turn east on FM 787 and travel to Rye. The detour means that students will arrive home at later-than-normal times.
The trailer’s axle was damaged during the crash, making it inoperable. 
This thermometer shows the temperature inside the trailer shortly after the crash.