The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a fatal commercial vehicle crash involving hazmat that has resulted in a major interstate closure and a shelter-in-place order.
The crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, in Tucson, Arizona.
A truck hauling nitric acid in liquid form was eastbound on I-10 a crash occurred that caused the truck to roll over.
Arizona DPS confirmed that the truck driver died in the crash.
A shelter-in-place order was issued following the crash due to concerns over a hazmat spill. The order was lifted around 9 p.m. on Tuesday. However, officials reinstated the shelter-in-place order for a one-mile perimeter around the incident around 5 a.m. on Wednesday. Officials say that when crews were attempting to remove the load from the commercial vehicle, gassing occurred.
I-10 remains closed in both directions between Kolb and Rita roads in Tucson and drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. It isn’t clear when I-10 will reopen. Heavy truck traffic has been reported in the area.
I-10 continues to be a mess this morning. There are semis parked all along I-10 eastbound and on the frontage road. Everyone is being redirected off the highway at Kolb. No word yet on when the road will reopen but this is going to cause MAJOR delays today #tucson #nitricacid pic.twitter.com/lt8qceqWwA
— Jack Cooper (@jackwcooper23) February 15, 2023
The crash remains under investigation by Arizona DPS.
You can click here for the latest information on the incident from Arizona DPS.