Overturned semi spills 45,000 pounds of batteries, closes Hwy 150

A semi-trailer truck carrying 45,000 pounds of batteries spilled its load early this morning in rural Buchanan County.

While traveling through foggy road conditions on Highway 150 south of Independence at around 6:50 a.m., the tractor-trailer swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle and slid off onto the shoulder, ultimately falling over into a nearby creek.

The driver was not injured in the accident.

The truck was carrying approximately 850 car batteries, many of which were scattered on the road, and authorities believe some of the batteries are leaking due to the smell of acid in the truck.

Buchanan County Sheriff's deputies have closed Highway 150 from Independence to county road D-47 while crews clean up the site. A Hazmat crew from Des Moines has been deployed to the crash scene to help with the cleanup of the batteries.

Authorities said the road probably wouldn't reopen until later tonight.