Missouri Truck Accident Blog

Missouri Truck Accident Spills Hydrochloric Acid on Paseo Bridge

According to an article from the Kansas City Star, a tractor-trailer hit a barrier and overturned, spilling about 400 gallons of hazardous hydrochloric acid (HCl) on northbound Interstate 35 at Front Street in Kansas City, Missouri. Northbound lanes of the Paseo Bridge are still closed while the southbound lanes reopened late afternoon on Monday, November 30.

The truck driver was taken to the nearest hospital. Two police officers and a construction worker were also hospitalized after inhaling fumes. Several others in the area also went in on their own accord because of eye and respiratory irritation. Numerous hazardous material crews, along with state and federal officials and contractors, were at the scene for cleanup and decontamination.

Police believe that the truck driver was going too fast for passing a narrow and curving roadway near a construction zone. Investigations of the crash are on hold until the remaining chemicals are removed.
Hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive inorganic compound that is often used for industrial processes. In high concentrations, HCl forms a cloud or vapor plume that has a toxic effect on lungs, trachea, skin, eyes and intestines. About 20 million metric tons of HCl are produced each year.

In other words, truck accidents and toxic spills like this one affect not only the victims in the crash, but the surrounding area and people. Tractor-trailers, semi trucks and 18-wheelers encompass 15% of fatalities in Missouri. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, you need an experienced Missouri semi truck accident attorney at Page Cagle to hear your case and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (866) 620-5757 for a free truck accident consultation and learn your rights.

Source:http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/1601350.html