Arizona Firefighters Respond to Hazmat Incident

April 12, 2007
An officer observed the truck descending down the highway at a speed of 90 mph.

On April 11 at approximately 7 a.m., one engine and a rescue ambulance along with Bullhead City, Ariz. Battalion Chief Don Evans responded to an 18-wheeler rollover.

The first due units quickly identified the need for a hazardous materials team to respond. Firefighters extricated the driver from the vehicle. The driver was transported to Western Arizona Regional Medical Center with injuries where he was treated and later released.

Assistant Fire Chief Joe Anderson, the lead hazardous materials technician, responded with three additional technicians and a hazmat trailer.

The material the tank was carrying was determined to be Dowthermal -- an industrial coolant. The material was leaking approximately two gallons per hour from the tank. The gas released was dangerous, however no evacuations were necessary.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Bullhead City Police Department with the assistance of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

A DPS officer did observe the truck descending down Highway 68, headed westbound, at a speed of 90 mph.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Arizona Department of Transportation, Mohave County Park Rangers and the Bullhead City Road Department all assisted in the incident.

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