Truck with hazardous chemicals crashes in US

Tucson, Arizona residents urged to stay inside after an 18-wheeler with chemicals flipped over on I-10

After a tractor-trailer carrying chemicals flipped over on Interstate 10 south of Tucson on Tuesday, Arizona authorities worked to evacuate residents in a mile’s radius and urged others to close windows and turn off air conditioners.

“HAZMAT release on I-10. Individuals within 1 mile radius should shelter in place,” said an emergency alert that went out around 4:30 pm local time. 

The spill threatened the Rita Ranch community, southeast of Tucson. Local residents were told to seek shelter “immediately” and turn off any device that used outside air. 

“The Department’s Hazardous Materials Response Unit, along with partner agencies are working together to mitigate the incident,” the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution first responders are working to evacuate a perimeter around the area of the incident.”

ARIZONA -- A truck carrying hazardous materials has overturned on I-10 in Tucson.

Residents nearby urged to shelter in place until further notice. pic.twitter.com/micKYKh2RD

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) February 14, 2023

The state Department of Transportation said the section of Interstate 10 between Kolb Road and Houghton Road was closed in both directions, with “no timetable” to reopen.

Tucson Fire Hazmat Team working with our partners at @Arizona_DPS to control the hazmat and brush fire incidents at Rita and I10. Continue to avoid the area, I10 will remain closed an extended period of time. Stay safe @cityoftucson pic.twitter.com/oM4WKD5C0E

— Tucson Fire Department (@TucsonFireDept) February 14, 2023

The Tucson highway incident comes amid the heightened scrutiny of US chemical transport infrastructure. Earlier this month, a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in eastern Ohio, forcing the evacuation of several thousand people from the town of East Palestine.

Though the local authorities said all the environmental readings were normal as of Sunday, the locals who returned shared photos of dogs, foxes, chickens, fish and frogs who died or were injured in the area affected by the poisonous cloud.

Learn More