'Large' fertilizer spill makes for messy commute along Pa. highway

May 12 (UPI) -- Morning rush hour motorists in southeastern Pennsylvania's East Donegal Township knew something didn't pass the smell test Tuesday while driving along State Route 441 in Lancaster County.

That's when they encountered what local police called a "hazmat" incident, but which was later identified as a large fertilizer spill along the highway.

The stretch of road, located just west of Marietta, Pa., was at first closed "indefinitely due to a hazmat spill," the Susquehanna Regional Police Department announced. They advised motorists to use an alternate way to get around the mess.

But several hours later, they advised the roadway had been reopened, adding, "Safe travels!"

The hazardous material turned out to be thousands of gallons of fertilizer, WGAL-TV, Lancaster, Pa., reported.

Photos showed hazmat crews working in the area and the roadway slick with a liquid substance.

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