Wednesday, May 20, 2015

1 TREATED AFTER EXPOSURE TO CLEANING CHEMICALS ON OVERTURNED 18-WHEELER IN LONGVIEW, TX









MAY 19, 2015

LONGVIEW, TX (KLTV)

A wrecker service employee was taken to the hospital Tuesday for chemical burns sustained while handling hazardous material on the scene of an overturned 18-wheeler on Interstate 20.

Longview Police PIO Kristie Brian says that driver of the 18-wheeler was attempting to exit I-20 on the off-ramp for exit 595 in Longview. The driver did not slow down enough, she said, and lost control of the vehicle, causing the trailer to roll over.

Longview Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary says the truck was carrying 20 different products, including acids and bases, to which the wrecker service employee was exposed. He was taken to the hospital by private vehicle to be treated.

Six other people were evaluated at the scene, but did not need treatment.

Zackary says that one eastbound lane of I-20 near the exit has been closed off as Texas Department of Transportation, Longview Fire Department, and hazmat teams work to clear the scene.