A BRAND NEW 2015 MOONEY M20TN ACCLAIM TYPE S PLANE CRASHES AND BURNS IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA. ITS PRICE TAG WAS $733,900. PILOT SUFFERED ONLY MINOR INJURIES.

APRIL 20, 2015

LAKELAND, FL (WFLA)

A pilot survived a crash that caused his small plane (a 2015 Mooney M20TN Acclaim Type S ) to burst into flames in a Lakeland neighborhood on Monday afternoon.   The registration number of the plane is: N608MR.  This airplane is listed for sale at a price tag of $733,900.  The sales entity is Premier Aircraft Sales, Inc.
The pilot walked away from the crash with only minor injuries.
Photos taken shortly after the crash appear to show the crashed plane and a nearby boat on fire. The boat was parked on a street near where the plane crashed.
Polk County Sheriff's Office and Lakeland Fire Department responded to the crash which happened around 3 p.m. in the 3900 block of Pipkin Creek Road.
First responders arrived on-scene and discovered that the pilot and sole occupant, walked away from the crash with only minor injuries. The pilot's is 55-year-old Richard Simile, from Auburn, Alabama, who was practicing for the Sun 'n Fun fly in, which begins Tuesday at Lakeland Linder Airport.
The plane is a Mooney M20TN Acclaim Type S. The pilot told first responders that he was heading westbound when he lost power and the crash occurred. After he exited the plane, it caught fire.
Lakeland Fire responded to extinguish the fire. The FAA is already on-scene and will investigate the cause of the crash.
A pilot walked away from a small plane crash in Lakeland Monday afternoon with no major injuries.

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Around 3:00 p.m. Monday, the Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene of an airplane crash in the 3900 block of Pipkin Creek Road.
When first responders arrived on-scene they located the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the plane.
The pilot, who walked away from the crash with only minor injuries, is identified as 55-year-old Richard Simile, from Auburn, Alabama. The plane is a brand new 2015 Mooney M20TN Acclaim Type S.
Simile told first responders that he was heading westbound when he lost power and crashed. He was able to get out of the plane on his own, then the plane caught fire.
The Lakeland Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire. The FAA is investigating the cause of the crash.
Original article can be found here:  http://www.nbcmiami.com

UNION PACIFIC LOCOMOTIVE DERAILS NEAR GENERAL MILLS PLANT IN LODI, CALIFORNIA

APRIL 20, 2015

LODI, CALIF. (KCRA)

A Union pacific freight train engine derailed near a General Mills plant in Lodi, forcing officers to close a street.

The Union Pacific locomotive came off the tracks in what is known as an upright derailment — neither the locomotive nor any of the cars tipped over.

The locomotive was “rerailed” and the train was able to continue down the tracks, said Francisco Castillo, Union Pacific’s media director for the western region.

The incident is under investigation, he said.

According to Lodi police, it took about 90 minutes to clear the scene and repair some damaged ties. No injuries were reported.

Turner Road reopened at about 1 p.m.

TRUCK DRIVER WHO HAD BEEN WORKING FOR 27 HOURS BEFORE THE JAN. 27, 2014 I-88 CRASH THAT KILLED TOLLWAY WORKER, INJURED STATE TROOPER GETS 3 YEARS

APRIL 20, 2015

A semi truck driver has been sentenced to three years in prison for driving fatigued and causing an I-88 crash last year that killed a tollway worker and severely injured a state trooper.

Renato Velasquez, 48, had been working for 27 hours before the Jan. 27, 2014, crash that killed Vincent Petrella and left Trooper Douglas Balder seriously injured on the Reagan Memorial Tollway near Eola Road in Aurora, prosecutors said.

Petrella and Balder had stopped to help a disabled vehicle in the eastbound lanes of the Reagan. They were in the right-hand lane and shoulder, with their vehicles' emergency lights activated, officials said.

Velasquez, who was also traveling eastbound, collided with the vehicles about 9:45 p.m., police said at the time.

Petrella, a husband and father of two young children, died at the scene, according to tollway officials. The 39-year-old Chicago native had worked at the tollway since 2001.

On Feb. 26, Judge Robert Kleeman found Velasquez guilty of one count of operating a commercial vehicle in a fatigued state, and two counts of failure to comply with hours of service requirements, according to the DuPage County state's attorney's office. He was also convicted of driving too fast for conditions and failing to yield to emergency vehicles.

Kleeman handed down the three-year sentence at a hearing Monday at the Wheaton courthouse.

“Illinois law imposes rules and regulations on the trucking industry for a reason—to keep the roads safe for all motorists,” State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

“Ignoring these regulations however, can result in tragic consequences, as we saw in this case. Had Mr. Velasquez gotten the proper amount of rest before getting behind the wheel of his truck, Mr. Petrella would be alive today and Trooper Balder would not be facing a life of pain and suffering,” Berlin said.

Velasquez, of Hanover Park, must serve 50 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole, officials said.

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Tollway Worker Killed, Trooper Injured In Crash

Vincent Petrella was killed and Trooper Douglas Balder injured in fiery Monday night crash on Interstate 88

January 27, 2014

An Illinois State Police trooper testified Tuesday that he was burning alive after his squad car was struck and set aflame by a semi driver accused of violating road safety laws.

Trooper Douglas Balder was among the witnesses in the trial of Renato Velasquez, who authorities say was fatigued and in violation of driving laws in the Jan. 27, 2014, crash near Aurora that badly injured Balder and killed tollway worker Vince Petrella.

Balder was stopped along Interstate 88 near Aurora on that frigid winter night to help a disabled semi when Velasquez struck Balder's squad car, rupturing his gas tank and setting the vehicle on fire.

"At some point, I woke up in my squad car, burning alive," Balder testified in the DuPage County courtroom of Judge Robert Kleeman, who is presiding over the bench trial.

Balder said he tried to exit from his driver's side, but neither the door nor window would operate. He said he crawled through the passenger side window.

"I have to imagine adrenaline kicked in, and I just forced myself out of the car," Balder said.

The force of the collision sent a 14,000-pound steel roll hurtling from the back of Velasquez's flatbed trailer. It struck a tollway aid truck that was also parked at the scene, killing Petrella, who was behind the wheel. Balder suffered serious burns and other injuries and spent six weeks in a medically induced coma.

In his opening statement, Assistant State's Attorney Joe Ruggiero said Velasquez had fallen asleep because he had worked and driven far in excess of laws that mandate truckers take breaks and drive no more than 11 hours in a day.

"He fell asleep because he drove too long," Ruggiero told the judge, emphasizing each word.

Velasquez, 47, of Hanover Park, had started working the previous day and had driven to Nebraska, where he dropped off a load. He was hauling the steel rolls, which he had picked up in Iowa, at the time of the accident, which was about 9:45 p.m.

Authorities say Velasquez had rested only about 31/2 hours and had been working and driving about 37 hours, and that he falsified the logbook truckers are required to maintain. Ruggiero said Velasquez's actions were motivated by greed — he could earn more by driving more hours than allowed by the safety laws.

"This case is all about cheating to make more money," the prosecutor said.

A tollway worker who was at the site just before the accident said Balder and Petrella had activated their emergency lights and set out a line of flares to alert oncoming traffic.

"It was lit; we like to say it's like lighting up a runway," now-retired Tollway Authority employee Ralph Dickinson testified.

Velasquez attorney Steven Goldman sparred with the Illinois State Police accident reconstruction investigator, who testified that Velasquez was driving almost 60 mph and did not brake before hitting the squad car.

A federal safety report indicates the truck braked at some point in the incident, and Goldman contended that without a precise location for the collision, an exact braking point could not be determined.

The trial may conclude Wednesday.

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Truck Company Involved In Fatal I-88 Crash Has Spotty Record

Government says nearly 93 percent of all companies have better records than DND International 

Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014

The truck involved in Monday night's fiery crash on Interstate 88 near Eola Road was operated by DND International in Naperville.

Records of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicate DND operates over 40 trucks, employing 42 drivers who logged 4 million miles in 2012. Government records indicate that the company has an Unsafe Driving rating of 92.4 percent, meaning nearly 93 percent of all trucking companies have better records than DND.

Tollway Worker Killer, Trooper Injured In I-88 Crash

Vincent Petrella was an equipment operator with the Illinois Tollway since 2005 and began his career as a toll collector, officials said. (Published Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014)

The numbers raise enough of a concern, that the FMCSA website lists the company as exceeding the "Intervention Threshold" for both Unsafe Driving, and Hours of Service for its drivers.

In that regard, the government says nearly 91 percent of all companies have better records on the road, with DND drivers accumulating over 100 violations in the last two years, ranging from driving too long to 11 allegations of drivers falsifying hours.

Tollway worker Vincent Petrella died and state trooper Douglas J. Balder was critically injured in fiery crash in Aurora. Renato V. Velasquez is charged with Class 4 felonies in connection with the crash. (Published Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014)

FMCSA records indicate that DND drivers were involved in six accidents in the last two years, one of them a fatal crash in 2012 in Sangamon County. A state police report says the DND truck in that crash was struck by another vehicle, whose driver was killed in the crash.

A woman identifying herself as Natasha Dimitrieszski, the company's owner, told NBC 5 Tuesday morning that she still did not know which of her drivers was involved in the crash. Officials later charged driver Renato Velasquez with Class 4 felonies.

22 FAMILIES EVACUATED AFTER TRUCK CARRYING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GETS STUCK IN A NARROW STREET AND JACKKNIFED

APRIL 20, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)

About 22 homes were evacuated from a north Birmingham neighborhood while crews moved a semi-truck carrying hazardous material that got stuck around midnight.

The semi-truck, which was carrying 3,000 gallons of sulfuric acid, was trying to navigate through a neighborhood when it hit a curve and jackknifed on a narrow street around midnight, according to EMA officials.

Police blocked off the area and evacuated people in the Fairmont community on 40th Avenue North near Lewisburg Road, off of Daniel Payne Drive and near Carver High School.

Birmingham police told residents that if the sulfuric acid mixed with water, it could possibly blow up.

A hazmat crew with Birmingham Fire Department responded to the scene as a precaution.

None of the sulfuric acid has spilled from the truck, according to Jody Hodge with the Jefferson County EMA. He says the truck driver is also OK and no one was injured.

The truck was turned upright and moved from the area where it got stuck by 8 a.m.

Residents who were evacuated say this isn't the first time a semi-truck has been stuck in their neighborhood.

“No it's not, it's happened before, we didn't have to be evacuated, they were able to get the truck up, but semis come through here all the time and turn over,” Sophia Holloway said.

“We've gone to talk to different people about getting some assistance with stopping these trucks from coming through here. We don't want this to happen. We don't want this neighborhood to blow up because of this type situation,” Holloway added.

Holloway explained that the semi-trucks often miss their exit off 41st Avenue and go to Fultondale to turn around, and the GPS routes the trucks through her neighborhood.

“Once they turn around, they come through the neighborhoods and there's really no room for them to maneuver in there,” she said.

Hodge said he believed the truck driver was trying to get to a truck stop in the area and the GPS took him a roundabout way. He said the driver turned on a narrow street and jackknifed.

“Some of these streets are very narrow, have sharp curves, and you know, with an 18-wheeler, it just happened," Hodge said.

He said about 10 families chose to not evacuate and shelter in place.

The Red Cross had a shelter on standby, but it was never opened.

Police will determine when residents are allowed to return to their homes.

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Sulfuric Acid Safety Tips – Sulfuric Acid MSDS Information

Jul 22, 2014 

Where and How Sulfuric Acid Can Be Found
Sulfuric acid just might be a bigger deal than you realize. It’s actually an international commodity chemical produced in large quantities all around the world. While sulfuric acid has primarily industrial uses, it’s also found in common household products such as drain cleaner and fertilizer. Here is some important information about sulfuric acid safety so you can be prepared when using this chemical, whether in the workplace or around the home.

Sulfuric Acid and its Uses

Sulfuric acid is a clear, colorless and odorless liquid. It is water-soluble and capable of causing serious damage, especially at when the chemical is at high-concentration levels. Historically known as oil of vitriol, sulfuric acid began to be produced on a large scale in the 18^th century.
Sulfuric acid is used for a wide range of purposes both industrially and domestically. Produced primarily in Asia and North America, sulfuric acid is used in the production of:

• Fertilizers
• Drain cleaners
• Detergents
• Synthetic resins
• Pharmaceuticals
• Petroleum catalysts
• Insecticides
• Antifreeze
• Batteries
• Pigments such as paint, enamels, and printing inks

The Extreme Health Hazards Associated with Sulfuric Acid

Concentrated sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive and can cause serious burns when not handled properly. This chemical is unique because it not only causes chemical burns, but also secondary thermal burns as a result of dehydration. This dangerous chemical is capable of corroding skin, paper, metals, and even stone in some cases. If sulfuric acid makes direct contact with the eyes, it can cause permanent blindness. If ingested, this chemical may cause internal burns, irreversible organ damage, and possibly death.

Exposure to sulfuric acid aerosols at high concentrations leads to severe eye and respiratory tract irritation and tissue damage. Consistent exposure to sulfuric acid aerosols, even at low concentrations, can cause a person’s teeth to erode. In laboratory or industrial settings, it’s important to use proper PPE when handling sulfuric acid.

At home, you are most likely to encounter concentrated amounts of sulfuric acid when using an acidic drain cleaner. It’s important to follow the safety instructions on the drain cleaner label to avoid these serious hazards (possibly life-threatening) risks.

How to Handle Sulfuric Acid Safely

When handling pure sulfuric acid in a laboratory or industrial setting, or when using products that contain concentrated sulfuric acid, it’s important to prioritize safety precautions. The following protective equipment should be worn when using sulfuric acid:

• Respirator
• Long rubber gloves
• Boots
• Industrial apron
• Chemical safety goggles
• Face shield

It’s also a good idea to have access to an eye-flush station if using sulfuric acid at your workplace. Another important consideration when handling this dangerous chemical is that it can react violently if it comes into contact with water.

Care for Sulfuric Acid Exposure

Exposure to sulfuric acid can occur as skin/bodily contact, ingestion, or inhalation of vapors. Each type of exposure can pose serious hazards to your health and should be managed immediately and appropriately by a medical professional to minimize damage and health risks.
Skin Contact – If sulfuric acid comes into contact with your skin, immediately flush the affected area gently with lukewarm water for at least 30 uninterrupted minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Eye Contact – If sulfuric acid gets into your eyes, immediately flush the eye(s) with water for at least 30 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Ingestion – If you ingest sulfuric acid, rinse your mouth immediately with water. Do not induce vomiting. Continually rinse your mouth with water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Inhalation – If you inhale sulfuric acid aerosols, seek fresh air and medical attention immediately.

Proper Sulfuric Acid Storage and Disposal

Sulfuric acid or products that contain concentrated sulfuric acid should be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Sulfuric acid should not be stored indoors in large quantities, to prevent the possible accumulation of vapors. Product containers should be regularly examined by professional MSDS experts for signs of damage or leaks.
Whether you’re cleaning your drains at home or working with any concentration of this chemical at work, proper sulfuric acid safety is extremely important. For more information about sulfuric acid, safety, and disposal, search our database of MSDS information.