Houston
AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 25, 2025
Chemical Tanker Overturns in San Jacinto County, Prompting Evacuations and Road ClosuresSource: Unsplash/Sandy Millar

Residents of San Jacinto County experienced a harrowing incident Friday morning when a chemical tanker overturned on FM 1725 near FM 3081 and State Highway 150, spilling sulfur dioxide and prompting evacuations. San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office reported the accident and closed off all traffic within a one-mile radius of the spill site for public safety, as cited by CW39. Drivers were advised to avoid the area while State Highway 150 remained open.

The aftermath of the crash saw a collaborative effort by emergency crews who worked tirelessly through the night to contain and clear the affected area. According to KHOU, the Texas Department of Transportation in Lufkin reported that the highway was closed for three miles in each direction from the spill, and FM 1725 will remain closed between Gale Haven Road and FM 3081 while cleanup crews continue their work. The incident resulted in one fatality, the driver of the big rig, though their identity has not been released at this time.

During the evacuation, the local emergency services designated the San Jacinto County Innovation Center Shelter for those needing a place of refuge. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that 60 to 80 homes on FM 1725 at FM 3081 were subjected to voluntary evacuations, but residents have since been allowed to return. Despite the clearance for residents to go back to their homes, concerns linger. The Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD school bus incident wherein 29 students and the bus driver were exposed to the chemical highlights the palpable risk still present in the air, as described by a DPS spokesperson.

Following the spill, air quality checks were conducted every 30 to 45 minutes to ensure the area's safety before residents returned. DPS officials assured the community that "air quality readings show the area is safe" and offered supplementary testing for those detecting any unusual odors, suggesting they contact the CTEH hotline for assistance, the statement obtained by KHOU. Nearly 3,000 gallons of the chemical were spilled during the accident, with hazmat crews still on scene to address remaining concerns.

In addition to the cleanup efforts, Texas Highway Patrol is seeking witnesses with information about the crash. They have encouraged anyone with details to come forward and contact the Texas Highway Patrol Office at (936) 699-7340. As the investigations continue, the focus remains on the collective efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the San Jacinto County residents and to prevent such incidents in the future.