Hydrochloric Acid Spill Prompts Truck Stop Evacuation
According to the Press Enterprise, a 600-gallon hydrochloric acid spill prompted authorities to evacuate a Hesperia, California truck stop.
The incident occurred at approximately4:35 p.m. on Monday at the Pilot Truck Stop, located at 8701 Highway 395.
The Press Enterprise reports that hydrochloric acid leaked from a truck that was parked near the fuel island.
Authorities were forced to evacuate the truck stop while crews worked to clean up the spill.
“Shortly after 8 p.m., crews announced that the spill had been stopped and the remaining contents…had been transferred to other trucks,” the Press Enterprise reported.
According to the EPA, exposure to hydrochloric acid, “is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure may cause eye, nose, and respiratory tract irritation and inflammation and pulmonary edema in humans. Acute oral exposure may cause corrosion of the mucous membranes, esophagus, and stomach and dermal contact may produce severe burns, ulceration, and scarring in humans.”
The truck stop reopened early this morning.