A tractor trailer carrying hydrofluoric acid sits on its side on Route 33 south near Wind Gap, Pa., on Saturday, March 21, 2009. (Xinhuanet/AP Photo)
Safety concerns resulting from the crash of a truck carrying large amount of hydrofluoric acid prompted evacuation of some 5,000 people in eastern Pennsylvania early Saturday, authorities said.
The truck was carrying some 33,000 pounds (14.9 tons) of acid and the acid spilled after the truck crashed near Wind Gap, Pennsylvania, Jeff Steiert with the local Office of Emergency Management told reporters.
About 5,000 people within a 1 mile (1.609 km) radius of the accident were ordered to evacuate as a precaution, and could be away for up to 24 hours, he said.
The driver, who was briefly trapped in the truck, was treated at a hospital and released. No other injuries had been reported, Steiert said.
A tractor trailer carrying hydrofluoric acid sits on its side on Route 33 south near Wind Gap, Pa., on Saturday, March 21, 2009.
Most of the acid in the tank was in the form of pressurized gas, although some water was present. Environmental workers were cleaning up the spill and police were working to control traffic.
Hydrogen fluoride is a chemical compound used mainly for industrial purposes, such as etching glass, and is extremely corrosive. It also is used to make high-octane gasoline, refrigerants, aluminum and light bulbs.
Concentrated solutions can cause severe burns, and inhaling the gas causes respiratory irritation, severe eye damage and pulmonaryedema, according to medial authorities.
Source: Xinhua
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