Tanker Accident Causes Chemical Spill

An overturned tanker truck on Highway 290 near Mueschke caused a chemical spill that blocked all lanes of traffic overnight. The accident happened at approximately 9:15 p.m. Tuesday between a tanker truck and a pickup truck. The tanker truck’s tank ruptured and spilled on to Highway 290.  No injuries have been reported, however, a hazmat team was called to the site for cleanup. It was estimated that the hazmat crew would not complete the task to reopen the highway until approximately 8 a.m. Wednesday. According to a statement made by officials with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department, the tanker truck was carrying a full load of Aluminum Sulfide. Aluminum Sulfide is considered a corrosive chemical that can be toxic when inhaled. It is primarily used in purifying wastewater. Two Harris County Precinct 4 deputies were transported to the hospital for observation after they reported feeling dizziness. Residents within a half-mile radius of the crash site were urged to shelter in place while crews cleaned up the mess. Some chemical spills are harmless, while others can be potentially fatal. Nearly all have a negative environmental impact and often have to be dealt with by hazardous material or hazmat teams that are specifically trained and equipped to deal with various kinds of chemical spills. The EPA has strict guidelines as to how such accidents are handled. It is often a requirement by the EPA that a spill be reported of if as little as ten gallons of that chemical are spilled. Spills and leaks can have a destructive impact on wildlife and human inhabitants in the area. Depending on the circumstance, chemical spills have been known to seep into waterways and into plant life that feed other animals. Drinking water supplies, lakes, tributaries, streams and aquifers can all be affected by chemical spills. Chemical spills can happen very quickly and take a long time to clean up, with the after effects remaining for years, or even decades from the time of the spill. The effects of chemical spills can also be devastating in the long term, causing injury, illness and even death. Respiratory failure, organ failure, cancer, and neurological damage can be some of the long term effects after a chemical spill exposure. If you or a loved one has been exposed to a chemical spill, or work in an industry where you have been exposed to toxic chemicals that have caused your accident or injury, give us a call. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers have many years of experience in the Texas courts and have successfully represented clients. Medical costs, long-term and ongoing medical therapies and other expenses are quick to add up. You have rights and we are here to help you. We will match you with an attorney who will take the time to listen to the details of your case, offer possible options to proceed with your accident or personal injury case. Your initial consultation with our attorneys is free of charge and without obligation and is strictly confidential.