Arizona rollover causes nitric acid spill killing 1 and ‘extended shutdown’ affecting morning commutes
Part of an Arizona highway will remain closed in both directions until Wednesday morning after a fatal rollover resulted in a hazardous material spill Tuesday afternoon, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety .
At approximately 2:43 p.m. MST Tuesday, AZDPS said a commercial tractor truck towing a box trailer overturned on Interstate 10 between Rita and Kolb roads in Tucson, causing a spill and “extensive closure” in the two senses that will affect drivers on Wednesday morning. commutes.
Pima County officials told Fox News Digital the spilled substance was nitric acid in liquid form.
An update at 8:14 p.m. MST said the driver of the utility vehicle was dead. The identity of the driver has not been shared.
ARIZONA AUTHORITIES ISSUE EVACUATION AND SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDERS AFTER NITRIC ACID SPILL
Part of an Arizona highway was closed in both directions on Tuesday due to an accident and a HAZMAT spill. (Mr. Topplebottom via Twitter)
About 30 minutes later, the AZDPS lifted the shelter-in-place order issued earlier in the day, but said those who had been evacuated should remain as such.
The evacuated area included a half-mile perimeter around the incident. AZDPS did not give an estimate of when evacuees could return.
Residents within a one-mile radius, affected by the shelter-in-place order, were told around 9:15 p.m. MST that it was safe to resume use of heaters and air conditioners.
Tucson Fire Hazmat Team working to control a bushfire in Arizona. (Tucson Fire Department)
OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT ADDS TO BUTTIGIEG’S GROWING LIST OF SLOW RESPONSES, AFTER HE WAITED 10 DAYS TO APPLY
According to the CDC, nitric acid is a highly corrosive chemical used in the polymer industry and in the manufacture of fertilizers, dyes and explosives.
Exposure may cause delayed pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, bronchitis, dental erosion, and irritation of eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
Tucson Fire Hazmat Team working to control a bushfire in Arizona. (Tucson Fire Department)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The spill came weeks after a train derailment in Ohio caused toxic chemicals to leak into the air in the eastern Palestinian city.
Many questions remain unanswered after a train made up of about 50 cars, including several carrying highly toxic vinyl chloride, derailed en route to Pennsylvania on the evening of February 3 due to a broken axle.
Fox News’ Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
Fox Gt
