MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
An overturned semi-truck hauling hazardous materials triggered evacuations and road closures Tuesday morning after leaking hydrochloric acid near McPherson.
McPherson County 911 received the first call at approximately 9:07 a.m., reporting the crash and chemical leak. The truck was carrying 34,000 pounds of hydrochloric acid, though officials say the amount spilled has not yet been determined.
Residents and businesses in the immediate area have been evacuated as a precaution, and all surrounding roads remain closed while emergency crews work the scene.
Those road closures, which are subject to change at any time are:
- Highway 56 at 8th Avenue
- Kansas Avenue at Hickory
- Old Highway 81 at the 153 Spur from K-61
- Old Highway 81 at First Avenue
The driver of the semi self-extricated before first responders arrived. McPherson EMS evaluated the driver at the scene, but he refused treatment and transport.
The McPherson Fire Department Hazmat Team made entry to the truck and deployed booms around a nearby storm drain to prevent the acid from entering the sewage system. An environmental remediation contractor is currently en route to begin cleanup and removal operations.
Multiple agencies are assisting, including McPherson Fire, McPherson EMS, McPherson Police Department, the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, McPherson Emergency Management, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office. Salina Fire has been deployed as a regional hazmat team to support the response.
“No further information will be released at this time,” McPherson Fire Chief Chad Mayberry said in a statement.