Chemical Incident Reporting – Week of 7-27-24

NOTE: See here for series background.

Baker, CA  7-26-24

Local news reports: Here, here and here.

Tractor-trailer accident led to the lithium batteries being transported to catch fire. Shut down Interstate 15 for two days.  No injuries reported, no damage estimates provided. Pull quote on the problem:

“The primary concern is the air quality due to the hazardous materials and chemicals involved,” officials said. “These chemicals pose significant health risks at elevated levels, with hydrogen cyanide and chlorine being particularly dangerous even at low concentrations. We apologize for this inconvenience, but everything that is being done is in the interest of public safety,” the San Bernardino County Fire Department said. “Due to the location of this incident, alternate routes are slim to none.”

Not CSB reportable, transportation related incident.