Toxic Truck Accident Closes 40-Mile Stretch of Highway
A trailer truck carrying 550 gallons of a toxic liquid overturned on U.S. 395 north of Bridgeport, Calif., on Wednesday, forcing authorities to evacuate a public campground and shut down a 40-mile stretch of the highway.
California Highway Patrol Sgt. Tom Stanton said the northbound truck carried a shipment of ethyl acrylate, a colorless liquid used to manufacture chemicals and resins.
It swerved to avoid an oncoming car that had crossed the center line of the two-lane highway.
A hazardous-material cleanup team was sent to the scene after witnesses smelled a strange odor coming from the trailer. Initial investigation showed that a seam on one of the 10 55-gallon drums was wet, Stanton said.
However, no chemical leaked onto the highway or into the nearby Walker River, and there were no injuries, Stanton added.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
