A Union Pacific freight train derailed near Highway 99 in Fresno, CA early Monday morning. The derailment caused a 10-mile stretch of the highway to be closed. As of this morning, there is one lane open and traffic is moving slowly. Officials hope to have the remaining lanes opened by the end of the day today.
Union Pacific said that six of the tank cars derailed and one of the tank cars carrying hydrochloric acid began leaking. The California Highway Patrol has since stated that there were no longer any leaks, and the air quality was good and stable.
According to EPA, Hydrochloric Acid is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure may cause eye, nose, and respiratory tract irritation and inflammation and pulmonary edema in humans. Acute oral exposure may cause corrosion of the mucous membranes, esophagus, and stomach and dermal contact may produce severe burns, ulceration, and scarring in humans.
