Authorities are urging Tucson residents to shelter in place after a semi-truck carrying nitric acid crashed on I-10 and began leaking the toxic gas into the air. Police report that the truck was carrying “2000 pounds of the toxic chemical nitric acid.” The driver was tragically killed in the accident. 


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This incident comes during a slew of environmentally catastrophic accidents in the United States, including the Ohio and Louisiana train derailments. The long-term implications of the Ohio crash are still unknown. The frequency and gravity of these disasters is horrifying, and indicate a serious industrial deregulation issue. Swift action is necessary to prevent more accidents, and help save not just the environment, but our own long-term health and safety. 


Nitric acid is highly toxic when contacted, and can cause severe burns, especially to eyes and lungs. It is used in many different kinds of manufacturing. 



The plume of yellow smoke was visible for over half a mile away from the incident. Authorities issued their shelter warning to all residents within one mile of the crash.