Wednesday, April 22, 2015

DRUMS ON AN 18 WHEELER STARTED LEAKING TRIMETHYLBENZENE WHICH CAUSED EMERGENCY CREWS TO SHUT DOWN ALL LANES OF THE SOUTHWEST FREEWAY FOR HOURS




APRIL 21, 2015

HOUSTON, TEXAS

An 18 wheeler started leaking Tuesday afternoon which caused emergency crews to shut down all lanes of the Southwest Freeway for hours.

The spill happened on 59 South in the area of Bellaire Boulevard around 5 p.m.
Motorists on the freeway alerted the driver of the truck that something was leaking out of the back. Firefighters were called to the scene and discovered three 55 gallon drums were damaged.

All three drums had a corrosive and flammable liquid in them. Firefighters believe the liquid is trimethylbenzene.

Originally two lanes were open but Hazmat crews decided it would be better to shut down all lanes which led to a major traffic headache for drivers.

About 25 gallons in all spilled onto the highway.

Emergency crews had to wait on assistance from the trucking company, Saia, Inc., to help offload all the product from one truck to the one next to it.

Saia is based out of Johns Creek, GA. It's unclear where the shipment of drums was going.

Trimethyl Benzene is a colorless liquid with a distinct odor.  It is used in making dyes,  pharmaceuticals and antioxidants,  and as a solvent.

HAZARD SUMMARY
Trimethyl Benzene can affect you when breathed in.
Contact can irritate the skin and eyes.
Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out.
Repeated exposure can cause headaches, and cause you to feel nervous, tense, tired and sleepy.
Trimethyl Benzene may cause changes in the blood cells and affect the blood’s clotting ability.
Trimethyl Benzene can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposure may cause bronchitis to develop with cough, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath.