MIDDLEBURY, Conn. -- Dozens of residents in Middlebury had to evacuate their homes after a truck carrying hydrogen gas overturned on Interstate 84, closing the major highway that links New York to Massachusetts for much of the day Tuesday.

The tractor-trailer was carrying 25,000 pounds of flammable and highly volatile compressed hydrogen gas and overturned in the westbound lanes. When the truck left the roadway, one of the tubes broke and started to leak the gas. State police said the driver of the overturned rig suffered minor injuries.

"We're going to treat this as a dangerous situation as it is and we're going to move step by step to do everything we can to make sure we move this safely," state police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance said.

Commuters were urged to avoid the area through the morning rush hour, and police said later in the evening that the highway could reopen at about 8:30 p.m.

"We're waiting for a company out of Massachusetts to attempt to unload the vehicle before we can have it removed from the site," Middlebury Police Chief Richard Guisti said.

Channel 3 Pinpoint Traffic reporter Teresa LaBarbera reported Interstate 84 was closed in both directions between exits 17 and 18 on the town-city line at about 5 a.m. The highway remained closed throughout the day for more than 14 hours.

LaBarbera reported Route 88 through Middlebury Center remained gridlocked through the late morning. Guisti said Route 64, a main thoroughfare in town, was almost at a standstill five hours after the truck overturned.

Commuters can call the state's hot line to hear a recorded message about detours and alternatives: 877-284-9995.

"I'm trying to make a test in 10 minutes and I think I'm going to be late," said Alicia Tolla, a commuter.

Residents Evacuated From Homes As Precaution

About 60 to 70 people were evacuated from their homes when officials learned of the danger from the hydrogen leak, police said. Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Aleesha Chaney reported that homes in the area of the Route 188 overpass were evacuated.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Ray Daudani reported the evacuated residents seem to be taking all in stride.

"We heard a big bang," said Dot Wescott, a resident evacuated. "The next thing I know, they're banging on the door telling me to evacuate. So, it was a little scary then."

Residents were evacuated to the Middlebury Fire House on Tucker Hill Road, and they were able to return home at about 4:30 p.m.

"We've taken a mile perimeter all the way around in the event there is a spark," Middlebury First Selectman Tom Gormley said. "We have the fire house, we have food, we've set up an account with our local market, so we are feeding them."

Gormley said the town has not had a similar situation for about 20 years.

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