There was a hazardous material report of hydrochloric acid seeping from a tanker train at the Union Pacific Rail Yard at Shields and Webber in Fresno.
Apparently the train car was overfilled so the fluid was leaking from an overfill valve on the top of the car. Fire officials say the leak is very minor but is enough to form a puddle on the ground of the dangerous material.
Fresno Fire Battalion Chief Casey Clark said, “What will usually happen in these cases is we’ll bring in another car and they will offload a portion of that product to get it below that valve and then that pretty much takes care of any leakage.”
When the transfer of material is completed, hazmat crews will clean the area for any contamination on the ground.
Freight trains were stopped from traveling through the area during the cleanup and will be allowed to continue after the operation is completed.
Hydrochloric acid could potentially cause damage to the eyes, skin and internal organs if fumes are inhaled, which is why the spill is taken so seriously.
Submitted by J. Tracy / Fresno Fire Dept.
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