Worcester County Road Closes After Truck Overturns, Load Spills
September 12, 2018
GIRDLETREE, Md. --
Maryland State Police said a part of Snow Hill Road will be closed until dawn Wednesday after a tractor trailer overturned and spilled hazardous material.
The incident happened near 3323 Snow Hill Road around 4:45 p.m.
According to police, a tractor trailer was transporting 10 containers filled with 330 gallons each of a liquid called Sodium Hydroxide.
The driver, from North Carolina, was driving south on the road when he believed the load may have shifted, which caused the truck to overturn. Police said four of the 10 barrels fell into a field, two of which spilled.
MSP also said a Verizon telephone pole was hit in the incident.
The Maryland Department of Environment, State Fire Marshal's Office, and several police and fire departments responded. Hazmat crews established a safe perimeter and were working on the scene.
As the investigation into the incident continues, MSP said the road will be closed until dawn Wednesday.
Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic base and alkali that decomposes proteins at ordinary ambient temperatures and may cause severe chemical burns. It is highly soluble in water, and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air.