It was something no one wants to see: A tractor trailer split into two pieces on a major interstate. But more than just the accident, it was what was inside that trailer that caused concerns for first responders Wednesday.
The truck spilled 4,000 gallons of corrosive Sodium Hydrogen Chloride onto the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 in western Pennsylvania, just east of Clintonville in Venango County. Two people were injured.
"I believe that the driver was, the information I got, was that he was transported for neck injuries," said Matt Exely, director of Venango County Emergency Management Agency. "And also one of the initial responders that was on his way up to the accident was unaware that it was a hazardous materials accident. And he obtained some sort of respiratory injuries."
Early reports were that the material was melting tires, and while Exely couldn't confirm that, he said it could have been possible.
"A corrosive material can melt things. It can corrode things," said Exely. "It's basically kind of like rust on metal. It corrodes things, only at a lot faster rate."
The incident blocked traffic for miles and crews actually had to turn vehicles around to clear the roadway. Cleaning up the scene is an extensive process.
"They'll bring in a material called soda ash," Exely said. "They will spread that over, that will start to neutralize the material. Then the company itself will be responsible for the cleanup, so they will bring in a separate private clean-up crew."
No one lived near where the accident happened but water was shut off for a short time to Clintonville as a precaution. Pennsylvania State Police have not determined what caused the trailer to split apart.
The westbound lanes of Interstate 80 re-opened around 3:15 Thursday morning.
