Driver of truck hauling liquid nitric acid killed in crash in Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. — A driver of a truck hauling liquid nitric acid was killed in a crash Tuesday in Tucson, Arizona, officials say.

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In a news release update, the Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed that the truck was involved in a crash that forced liquid from the tank to spill out.

The crash happened just before 3 p.m. MST and authorities said that the truck was hauling the nitric acid in liquid form.

The main use of liquid nitric acid is for the production of fertilizers and explosives, according to KOLD.

Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Unified Command issued a shelter-in-place within a mile of the incident. They have also evacuated a half-mile perimeter around the area.

According to KOLD, residents in the area were advised to turn off any machines that could potentially bring outside air inside such as air conditioners and heaters.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Hazardous Materials Response Unit was on the scene with assistance from Tucson Fire Department, Tucson Police Department, Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Marana Police Department.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.