Monday, May 11, 2015

TANKER TRUCK ACCIDENT AND ACID LEAK FORCES EVACUATIONS, RESCUE EFFORT IN WEST MIFFLIN, PA.






MAY 11, 2015

WEST MIFFLIN, PENNSYLVANIA

Several homes in West Mifflin were evacuated early Monday, after a tanker truck overturned along New England Road.

Allegheny County Hazmat crews were called to the scene between Camp Hollow Road and Route 837 shortly before 5 a.m. because the truck was leaking a corrosive acid.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Overturned Tanker Truck along New England Rd between Camp Hollow and Rt 837 in West Mifflin. pic.twitter.com/qjng3WO3zZ
— WPXI Traffic (@WPXITraffic) May 11, 2015

The driver of the tanker was trapped for about three hours before rescue crews were able to free him. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

The tanker was carrying ferric chloride, which is an acidic biproduct of steel pickling. It had just left the Irvin Steelworks when the accident happened.

Six people in the immediate area were evacuated as a precaution.

Officials said New England Road will likely remain closed through the afternoon rush hour while crews unload the acid.