A “shelter in place” warning is in effect near Tuscon, Arizona after a truck overturned and spilled a load of toxic chemicals.
According to the Pima County Office of Emergency Management and Tucson Fire, the truck was carrying nitric acid.
Everyone in the area was advised to turn off heaters, air conditioning units, and any other equipment that would bring outside air in.
Authorities say the truck flipped onto its side in the median.
In the video below you can see the ruck and the cloud of toxic smoke billowing out.
The truck driver’s condition is unknown.
🚨#BREAKING: Shelter in place has a been issued due hazardous toxic chemicals leaking ⁰
📌#Tucson | #ArizonaCurrently authorities have issued a hazmat alert and a ‘shelter in place’ warning is in effect for all individuals within a mile radius in Tucson Arizona, after a truck… https://t.co/tyCJn8jFni pic.twitter.com/F4UjjGtgYN
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 14, 2023
The Arizona Department of Transportation closed the highway, saying:
“I-10 is closed in both directions near milepost 272 (Kolb Road) near Tucson, due to a crash.
“The Kolb Road on-ramp from eastbound I-10 is also closed.
“All eastbound traffic must exit at or before Kolb Road; westbound traffic must exit at or before Houghton Road.
“There is no estimated time to reopen the freeway.”
According to KGUN:
A ‘shelter in place’ warning is in effect for all individuals within a mile radius of the crash.
That includes individuals:
- East of the crash to Houghton Road
- West of the crash to Kolb Road
- North of the crash to Valencia Road
- South of the crash to Voyager Road
According to the CDC:
Exposure to nitric acid can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and mucous membrane; it can also cause delayed pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, bronchitis, and dental erosion.
Nitric acid is highly corrosive.
Workers may be harmed from exposure to nitric acid.
The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.
