A huge clean-up operation is under way on the A46 after the northbound carriageway was closed when a lorry shed a load of batteries.
It happened at around 2.50am on Thursday between Newton and Newark.
A second lorry suffered damage to its fuel tank after hitting the debris, causing diesel to spill out on to the road. A car also suffered a puncture.
Notts Police say workers are on site and are trying to clear the mess to get the road open again.
Highways England says the road is still shut as of early on Thursday evening while work continues.
Police also say they are looking for the driver of a black BMW which may have been involved in the incident but did not stop at the scene.
Google street view image: The accident has shut the route in both directions
Anyone who saw the accident or has information on the black BMW is asked to call the force on 101 quoting incident number 37 of January 28.
