BATESVILLE, Miss. (AP) — A tractor-trailer carrying sulfur has crashed on a highway in northern Mississippi. A sheriff says an explosion occurred as deputies were pulling the severely burned driver from the rig.

Authorities say the crash happened Thursday on Interstate 55 near Batesville. That is about 63 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee.

Panola County Sheriff Dennis Darby tells WMC-TV that the truck driver was flown to a Memphis hospital. Darby says two deputies had burns to their arms but are expected to be OK.

The truck was carrying 25,000 pounds  of sulfur, which can be hazardous if inhaled.

Traffic was diverted off the interstate and nearby homes were ordered evacuated.