A semi truck hauling hazardous chemicals overturned earlier this week, causing a precautionary evacuation of the area.
The crash happened at approximately 3 p.m. on June 13th in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
According to CP24, the tractor trailer was traveling towards Fort Erie on the Queen Elizabeth Way Highway when it suffered a mechanical issue and veered off the road, crossing over a barrier wall and landing on its side on top of the concrete barrier.
UPDATE: ROAD CLOSURE: #QEW between Ontario St & Hwy 406 #StCatharines: All lanes blocked. #OPP & @NiagRegPolice on scene. ^aw pic.twitter.com/nzceAsxXXl
— OPP GTA Traffic (@OPP_GTATraffic) June 13, 2017
ATTENTION – St. Catharines. Chemical Tanker Truck Overturned – QEW/Martindale Rd. EVACUATION 1 Km radius. More details ASAP @OPP_HSD pic.twitter.com/cGwjXg58gx
— NRPS (@NiagRegPolice) June 13, 2017
The driver was able to escape the wrecked truck and no one was injured in the crash.
The truck was carrying Phosphine, a clear, flammable chemical that is dangerous if inhaled. A precautionary evacuation order was issued for parts of St. Catharines within a mile and a quarter of the crash site.
“If you live in the area an officer might knock on your door to evacuate and you may hear sirens,” said Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt.
The order was later downgraded to a ‘shelter in place’ advisory, and residents were instructed to stay indoors with doors and windows closed and air conditioning turned off.
According to the CDC, phosphine, which is used in the semiconductor business, as well as an ingredient in flame retardants, causes cell damage in the lungs and affects the nervous system.
Upon inspection, the hazardous clean-up crew determined that none of the 45 cylinders containing the liquid gas had leaked and that all chemicals were contained inside the truck.
The QEW was closed into Wednesday morning as crews worked to clean up the debris from the roadway and verify the containment of the chemicals.
The roadway has since reopened.
