MT. VERNON, AL — A hazardous materials response was initiated after a grain hauler spilled cotton bales on County Road 96 at the junction with State Route 56 on Wednesday.

The spill occurred approximately 2:15 a.m. when the grain hauler was involved in a collision with another vehicle on County Road 96. Choctaw County Sheriff's Office immediately established a safety perimeter around the scene.

Residents within a 300-yard radius were advised to shelter in place as hazmat teams assessed the situation. nighttime darkness complicated the response effort.

The cotton bales leaked from a damaged container on the truck. Environmental crews from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management were notified.

Leroy Volunteer Fire Department hazmat teams worked with state environmental officials to contain and clean up the spill. The operation took approximately more than 10 hours.

County Road 96 was completely closed during the cleanup. Traffic was diverted through State Route 56 and County Road 22.

No serious injuries were reported, though one motorist was treated for anxiety at the scene. The cause of the incident is under investigation.