68 Tanker and Engine Assist at Hazmat Spill By Firefighter Rafael Henin July 9, 2009
On Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 15:33, Tanker 68 was dispatched to assist at a Hazardous Materials Incident on the I-476 northbound exit ramp to I-76. A tractor trailer hauling a dozen 275 gallon containers of hydrofluoric acid had rolled over and came to rest on its side in the grass. As the chemical was being identified by the Montgomery County Hazmat Team, Tanker 68 was ordered to supply water to the Decontamination Station located about 150 yards from the crash. Engine 68-5 was dispatched at around 17:30 to assist crews already on scene.
Hazmat crews had to cut open the trailer and drain it of the chemicals. A chemical compound was also used to neutralize the acid that had leaked out of the trailer. Five interchange ramps were shut down and remained closed until the toxic acid was removed and the truck cleared from the ramp. 15 hours later, at 0600 hours Wednesday, Valley Forge crews were cleared to return to station.
Responding to the incident were George Clay Fire Co., Plymouth Fire, Wyndmoor, Radnor, King of Prussia, Chester County Hazmat, Montco Hazmat, North Penn Goodwill Services, and Montco Field Command and Communications unit.
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