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Dozens of students were taken to the hospital Friday morning after a deadly 18-wheeler crash triggered a hazmat situation in San Jacinto County, Texas.
18-Wheeler Was Hauling Sulfur Dioxide
The January 24th accident occurred shortly before 6:30 a.m. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the 18-wheeler was transporting 28,000 gallons of sulfur dioxide as it headed north on FM 1725 when, for reasons that remain unclear, it veered off the roadway and overturned, killing the truck driver and causing the tank to rupture. Media reports indicate that around 3,000 gallons of sulfur dioxide subsequently leaked from the tanker.
Shortly after the accident, public safety officials issued a voluntary evacuation order for a one-mile radius around the scene of the wreck. This order was later extended to a three-mile radius in all directions from the sulfur dioxide leak. Troopers went door to door, encouraging residents in the affected areas to leave.
“You could actually start smelling it,” one affected resident told ABC-13. “Actually, the state trooper was rushing. He started rushing even more, and they could smell it, and we could smell it. And it was like, ‘It’s time to go.’ It’s one of those situations where you know it’s time to leave. You don’t want to panic, but it’s one of those situations where you stay forward.”
The evacuation order was finally lifted early Saturday morning.
Dozens Treated for Sulfur Dioxide Exposure After San Jacinto County 18-Weeler Crash
At least 37 people were treated for symptoms of sulfur dioxide exposure in the wake of the San Jacinto County 18-wheeler crash.
They included 29 students and the driver of a Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD school bus who had inadvertently traveled through the crash scene, unaware of what was on the truck. A few of the students reportedly complained of headaches and breathing issues. According to the school district, everyone aboard the bus was initially assessed at the JSE/CIS bus loop before being taken to a hospital for further evaluation. All have since been released.
So far, it’s not clear what caused the San Jacinto County 18-wheeler accident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Texas Highway Patrol Office at (936) 699-7340.
What to Know About Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a sharp, pungent odor often compared to the smell of rotten eggs. It is commonly released when coal and oil are burned and during industrial processes like metal smelting and paper manufacturing. Sulfur dioxide is also a byproduct of volcanic activity and can be found in certain pesticides and preservatives.
Exposure to sulfur dioxide can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the concentration of the gas and the duration of exposure:
- Mild Exposure: Even at low concentrations, sulfur dioxide can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms may include coughing, a burning sensation in the throat, shortness of breath, and watery eyes.
- Moderate Exposure: At higher concentrations, the irritation becomes more severe, leading to difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and a worsening of asthma symptoms in individuals with preexisting conditions.
- Severe Exposure: In extreme cases, exposure to very high levels of sulfur dioxide can result in life-threatening respiratory distress, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), or loss of consciousness.
For individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions, exposure to even low levels of sulfur dioxide can trigger significant health events.
Short-Term Health Effects
Short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide primarily impacts the respiratory system:
- Respiratory Irritation: The gas can inflame the airways, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
- Aggravation of Existing Conditions: For people with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions, sulfur dioxide can cause immediate and severe exacerbations.
- Eye and Skin Irritation: Direct contact with sulfur dioxide can cause a burning sensation in the eyes and, in liquid form, skin irritation or frostbite.
Children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the short-term effects of sulfur dioxide exposure.
Long-Term Health Effects
Repeated or prolonged exposure to sulfur dioxide can have more serious, lasting consequences:
- Chronic Respiratory Issues: Long-term exposure to sulfur dioxide has been linked to the development and worsening of chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma and bronchitis.
- Decreased Lung Function: Breathing sulfur dioxide for a prolonged period can lead to reduced lung capacity, making it harder for individuals to perform physical activities and increasing their vulnerability to infections.
- Heart and Circulatory Problems: There is evidence that extended exposure to sulfur dioxide can contribute to cardiovascular problems, such as increased blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Trucking Regulations for Transporting Sulfur Dioxide
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established specific guidelines for trucking companies and truckers hauling hazardous materials like sulfur dioxide. These include:
CDL with Hazardous Materials Endorsement
Truck drivers transporting sulfur dioxide must possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with either a hazardous materials (H) endorsement or a combination tank and hazardous materials (X) endorsement. To obtain these endorsements, drivers are required to pass the FMCSA’s hazardous materials knowledge test, undergo a background check, and complete a Hazardous Materials Security Threat Assessment.
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
Sulfur dioxide must be properly identified using its unique UN number. Trucks hauling the chemical are also required to display specific warning placards, and it may only be transported in tanks or containers that meet specific standards set by the Department of Transportation.
Training for Drivers and Hazmat Employees
Truck drivers and any employees handling sulfur dioxide must undergo FMCSA-required hazardous materials training covering safe handling and loading/unloading procedures, as well as emergency response protocols for spills or leaks.
Shipping Papers
The FMCSA also mandates that truck drivers hauling sulfur dioxide carry shipping papers that clearly identify sulfur dioxide by its proper shipping name, hazard class, and UN number. Shipping papers must also include emergency contact information and be easily accessible to first responders in case of an incident.
Routing and Parking Restrictions
Truck drivers hauling hazardous materials like sulfur dioxide must also follow designated routes for hazardous materials, avoiding residential areas and densely populated zones whenever possible. They may not park their vehicle within 300 feet of bridges, tunnels, or public gathering places unless under direct supervision or in designated areas.
Emergency Response Requirements
The FMCSA also requires drivers to be familiar with and carry the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), which provides specific instructions for handling sulfur dioxide in emergencies. In the event of an incident, drivers must immediately notify the National Response Center and local emergency services, detailing the nature and extent of the release.
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Requirements
The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) also includes specific rules that impact how sulfur dioxide is transported within the state, such as:
- Emission Controls During Loading and Unloading: Transporters must use vapor recovery systems or similar technology to minimize gas release.
- Maintenance and Inspection Standards: Vehicles and equipment used to transport sulfur dioxide must undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. This includes verifying the integrity of storage tanks, valves, and connections to prevent leaks during transit.
- Incident Reporting Requirements: Any spills, leaks, or accidental releases of sulfur dioxide must be reported to the Texas Environmental Hotline operated by TCEQ. Transporters are required to have an emergency response plan in place and must notify authorities promptly to mitigate environmental and health risks.
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Our Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyers are closely monitoring developments related to the San Jacinto County 18-wheeler crash and will post an update if new information becomes available.
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