SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas (DDN) – DPS troopers went door-to-door on Friday, advising neighbors near the scene of a tragic incident in San Jacinto County to evacuate after sulfur dioxide leaked from the chemical tanker.
The crash occurred on FM 1725, near Highway 150 and FM 3081. Sgt. Sammy Lattner of the Texas Department of Public Safety provided an update on the situation Friday afternoon.
According to Lattner, the crash was reported at 6:30 a.m. The 18-wheeler was traveling northbound on FM 1725 when it left the road and overturned, causing a rupture in its tank. The driver perished in the collision.
Lattner stated that the truck was carrying approximately 2,800 gallons of sulfur dioxide. If exposed to excessive amounts, the chemical can cause major health impacts such as respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye damage.
Due to the leak, around 60 to 80 residences near the crash site have been told to shelter in place. At this moment, Lattner said troopers are going door-to-door in those residences, asking occupants to leave until the matter can be securely resolved. While Lattner stated that evacuation is not necessary, it is strongly encouraged.
Hazmat teams have set air monitoring equipment up to 200 yards from the incident site. According to Lattner, there are currently no issues on the site.
Lattner said they are still determining how many individuals were hospitalized, but 29 children and the bus driver on a school bus were sent to a Conroe hospital for treatment after driving through the area ignorant of the leak.
“They drove through the crash scene inadvertently not knowing what was on the truck,” Lattner recounted.
He added some of the passengers on the bus were concerned after having headaches and breathing issues. Lattner stated that they had since been treated and released. “It was more to be on the safe side to get them checked out,” Lattner told me.
Several agencies were contacted to assist with cleanup and evacuation efforts at adjacent houses and businesses.
Deputies stated that the street had been closed within a mile of the crash location. Members of various agencies aiding were stationed three kilometers from the incident.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the road will most likely not reopen until Saturday morning. Investigators have not found any witnesses to the crash, but anyone with information should contact the Texas Highway Patrol Office at (936) 699-7340.
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