Titanium spill closes I-40

NEWBERRY SPRINGS - Eastbound lanes on the Interstate 40 were closed for much of the day Wednesday after a titanium spill.

A big rig carrying 50 barrels of titanium shavings overturned, according to a Caltrans press release, and lanes in both directions were closed between National Trails Highway and Fort Cady Road. Westbound lanes reopened later Wednesday morning. Eastbound lanes were closed for several hours to allow time for cleanup.

California Highway Patrol spokesman Greg Smoak said that the titanium shavings were not hazardous but would be if they were ingested or caught fire.

Smoak did not have information about whether injuries occurred at the scene. The CHP Web site did not indicate anyone was treated for injuries.