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Hazmat Scene with Dangerous Chemicals

Friday afternoon, a truck driver from Kentucky was heading southbound on U.S. 59 when his truck, which was loaded with approximately 3 thousand pounds of liquid organic peroxide,  showed signs of the refrigeration unit shutting down.

According to Glossary for the Worldwide Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials, organic peroxides are liable to decompose if exposed to heat, and burn or explode.¨The rate of decomposition increases with temperature and varies with the organic peroxide formulation.¨ This decomposition can lead to potentially harmful gases/vapors that can damage the skin and eyes. 

Knowing that there could be dangerous ramifications to the rising temperatures of the product, the driver found a field north of Cleveland to park in. The area was away from the highway and populated areas. He called 911 and was connected with a Cleveland dispatcher. Fire equipment from Cleveland, Tarkington, Highway 321, Hardin, Splendora and New Caney along with HAZMAT teams with the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Conroe Fire Department responded to the scene.

DPS Troopers attempted to escort HAZMAT trucks from Harris County, through Montgomery County to the scene but were delayed by motorists refusing to give right-of-way to the responding emergency vehicles.

The north and southbound lanes of U.S. 59 were closed just north of the Cleveland city limits. Traffic northbound on the freeway was detoured away from the area.

Another contract Federal Express truck coming from Houston delivered dry ice to the scene and the load was transferred to that truck for its journey south.

The heavy traffic and heavy use of cell phones in the area caused delays and disruptions in cell service.

At 6:20 p.m., Rex Evans, the acting Public Information Officer for the fire departments, announced that the dilemma had been solved and U.S. 59 reopened.


JULY 11, 2014
CLEVELAND HAZMAT SCENE CLOSES US 59
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