A truck that carried toxic soil reportedly overturned this week sparked public health concerns after it spilled the fatal contents onto the highway.
According to the reports, residents of Ohio are expressing their concerns after the truck that carried about 40,000 pounds of toxic soil from East Palestine, Ohio, overturned on Monday.
The truck reportedly spilled nearly half its contents onto the highway before it got out of the state, causing panic to the authorities and residents.
In a news report published by CBS News, it was revealed that the open-top tractor-trailer was traveling north on SR-165 in Columbiana County when the accident occurred.
The outlet also reported that the truck’s driver, who was identified as 74-year old Phillip Falck, went off the right side of the road and hit a ditch and a utility pole before the vehicle overturned.
Following the incident, it was immediately reported to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, whose officers quickly responded and found the truck “on its side.”
Amid the investigation, authorities revealed that the 20,000 pounds of spilled toxic soil was contained. They also made it clear that it did not threaten any waterways.
However, Falck, the driver, reportedly sustained minor injuries and was cited for operating a vehicle without reasonable control.
According to the New York Post, “the soil onboard was being transported away from East Palestine, where a Norfolk Southern train derailed on Feb. 3, releasing multiple hazardous substances into the surrounding area. Residents were evacuated, and thousands of fish reportedly died from exposure to the toxins.”
“More than two months later, the process of removing contaminated soil and water from the site remains ongoing,” it added.
On Monday, state officials released a statement, claiming that approximately 11.4 million gallons of wastewater had been hauled out of the area where the train derailed, in addition to 19,900 tons of soil.
“A new health clinic, the East Liverpool City Hospital East Palestine Clinic, also opened in the area on Monday. It will replace the temporary assessment clinic that opened in the wake of the derailment,” NY Post added.
