Emergency responders were called to the scene of a crash involving a train and a truck carrying hydrochloric acid.
The collision happened Tuesday, March 6, around 11 a.m. in Washington County, Pennsylvania, according to
CBS Pittsburgh. The accident occurred near the intersection of Route 88 and Maple Glenn Road.
Crews were trying to keep the 4,400 gallons of hydrochloric acid at bay after it began leaking at the scene.
According to
WPXI, the driver of the truck was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital. His condition is unknown at this time.
Two other people were also sent to the hospital while another eight were treated at the scene due to acid exposure.
As of writing its unclear what caused the crash. Officials said the train carried the truck about 100 yards down the track.
Hydrochloric acid is a watery mixture containing hydrogen chloride, a gas. It produces a toxic, irritating vapor that can cause coughing, choking, and lung irritation, according to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It can cause serious or permanent injury.
Smoke can be seen in the area of the spill, spurring 15 homes in the vicinity to be evacuated, CBS Pittsburgh reported.
At least one person has been injured.
A truck driver who was working nearby rushed to the scene to give the driver of the truck an oxygen mask to protect him from the clouds of acid.
“Very bitter in the lungs and dry,” Don Lloyd told WPXI. “It’s very nasty.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tweeted that state agencies are working with local personnel.
“The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is engaged and working with county emergency personnel to ensure the continued safety of residents in the area,” he
wrote. “I am in contact with PEMA and the Department of Environmental Protection and we are closely monitoring the situation. We will continue to update the public in that area as responders work to secure the situation.”
The train in the crash was being operated by a Norfolk Southern train crew.
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