Tanker Crashes into California Home (Modesto, Hazmet on scene)

All Headline News ^ | Jan. 28, 2006 | Denise Royal

[FairOpinion]

Modesto, California (AHN) - A big rig tanker crashed on near State Route 99 south of Ceres this morning, releasing hazardous fumes and forcing evacuations.

The California Highway Patrol and emergency crews were called to the scene just before noon. The tanker careened off of the highway into the backyard of a house, with the cab barely missing the back of the home.

There are reports it is difficult to breathe in the area because of fumes emanating from the tanker, which was carrying formic acid. Formic acid is a combustible product derived from alternative fuels combined with acid. It is used as a preservative for cattle feed. Formic acid is considered a hazardous material that can cause chemical burns.

The CHP says the tanker driver is pinned in the cab and firefighters are working to extricate him. It is unknown if anyone on the ground or residence was injured. Hazardous materials teams have been called out and the CHP is warning motorists to avoid the area.

[FairOpinion]

I am virtually certain this is an accident. But it highlights that what can happen accidentally, can also be a terrorist objective.

[Wally_Kalbacken]

Good Morning Modesto!

[spunkets]

Formic acid is very bad if it's leaking. It's very corrosive to tissues.

[spunkets]

"Formic acid is ... derived from alternative fuels combined with acid."

Idiot journalists.

[Paleo Conservative]

[Thinkin' Gal]

I am virtually certain this is an accident. But it highlights that what can happen accidentally, can also be a terrorist objective.

Especially when Route 99 is involved.

[spunkets]

Yes. I think the neighborhood's going to be trashed for awhile. That stuff burns and stinks. It's like a pungent, burning, sharp acetic acid.

[William Tell]

Your posting deserves a "C".

[TaxRelief]

Formic acid is in ant spit.

[Doohickey]

Is Hazmet some sort of Islamic extremist group?

[spunkets]

Right, red ants. That's why the bites burns so bad.

[REDWOOD99]

This happened yesterday morning at 11:30.

[FairOpinion]

OK, OK, pick on my typo. ;)

I know it's Hazmat.

But you are right, Hazmet does sound like it could either be an Islamic terrorist group or a rock band.

[REDWOOD99]

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/11740330p-12459788c.html

[TaxRelief]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=truckcrash

[spunkets]

Black ants also, but they don't tend to bite...

[FairOpinion]

"This happened yesterday morning at 11:30."


===

Thanks. I had no idea. The news item said it was posted a few hours ago and gave no indication of the time of the event.

Do you have an update? Were they able to get the truck driver out? Is everything back to normal by now?

[humblegunner]

Is Hazmet some sort of Islamic extremist group?

H'azmet is the younger generation of H'ezbolla.
They like Quake and speak I-M language. Nefarious they are.

[REDWOOD99]

Driver was OK. Neighborhood was evac'd. All back to normal by 6:00pm.

[spunkets]

"It appeared Lee passed out or fell asleep shortly before the crash, witnesses said. But he told California Highway Patrol investigators he accidentally drifted right when he looked over his left shoulder to change lanes."

Driver passed out.