Collision and Hazardous Materials Spill on Interstate 10 in Tucson
--Update 3:15 p.m., February 16, 2023--
The deceased driver of the commercial vehicle involved in this incident has been identified as Rickey Immel, 54, of Nevada. Landstar Inway Inc. was the operating authority for the load being transported.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
--Update 6:45 p.m., February 15, 2023--
Unified Command has rescinded the evacuation order. Interstate 10 has been reopened in both directions and detours have been lifted. The public may resume normal activities.
As a reminder, Pima County Health Department and the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center have provided information and guidance for any person who believes they may have been exposed to the toxic fumes associated with this hazardous materials spill. Please visit www.pima.gov/acidspill for more information.
--Update 5:35 p.m., February 15, 2023--
Unified Command has rescinded the shelter-in-place order. The existing evacuations are still in effect.
As a reminder, Pima County Health Department and the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center have provided information and guidance for any person who believes they may have been exposed to the toxic fumes associated with this hazardous materials spill. Please visit www.pima.gov/acidspill for more information.
--Update 1:35 p.m., February 15, 2023--
Unified Command has reduced the shelter-in-place order to within one mile of the incident location. The updated map for the one-mile area is included. The western boundary is Kolb Road, the northern boundary is Old Vail Road, the eastern boundary is Rita Road, and the southern boundary is also Old Vail Road Rocket Stravenue. Existing evacuations remain in effect.
Pima County Health Department and the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center have released further information and guidance for any person who believes they may have been exposed to the toxic fumes associated with this hazardous materials spill. Please visit www.pima.gov/acidspill for more information.
--Update 1:20 p.m., February 15, 2023--
Pima County Health Department and the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center have released further information and guidance for any person who believes they may have been exposed to the toxic fumes associated with this hazardous materials spill. Please visit www.pima.gov/acidspill for more information.
--Update 9:38 a.m., February 15, 2023--
Below is the current map reflecting the three-mile shelter-in-place order. (See most recent updates for current map.) Unified Command is actively monitoring within these boundaries to ensure public safety and assess the need for possible changes to existing evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. Unified Command advises anyone within the shelter-in-place area to turn off heaters and/or air conditioning systems that bring in outside air.
--Update 8:34 a.m., February 15, 2023--
The shelter-in-place order is extended to a three-mile perimeter around the incident location. Unified Command will actively monitor within these boundaries to ensure public safety and assess the need for possible changes to existing evacuations and shelter-in-place orders.
Unified Command advises those who are currently evacuated should expect to remain displaced until approximately mid-day.
Recovery and mitigation efforts on the hazardous materials experienced temporary setbacks overnight due to weather conditions. Crews have now removed the material from the truck and are utilizing dirt to mitigate further off gassing. Interstate 10 remains closed in both directions between Kolb and Rita roads in Tucson.
The public should continue to avoid the area and motorists should seek an alternate route.
--Update 5:30 a.m., February 15, 2023--
Below is a map depicting the hazmat perimeter for the incident site. Please see updated map above.
--Update 4:55 a.m., February 15, 2023--
Unified Command has reinstated the shelter-in-place order for a one-mile perimeter around the incident. Unified Command advises anyone within the one-mile perimeter to turn off heaters and/or air conditioning systems that bring in outside air.
While crews were attempting to remove the load from the commercial vehicle, gassing occurred.
Interstate 10 remains closed in both directions between Kolb and Rita roads in Tucson.
The public should avoid the area and motorists should seek an alternate route.
Unified Command anticipates an extensive closure.
--Update 11:15 p.m., February 14, 2023--
Unified Command anticipates the evacuation order will be lifted at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15.
--Update 9:15 p.m., February 14, 2023--
Unified Command confirms it is safe for residents to resume the use of heaters and air conditioners within the one-mile perimeter around the incident.
--Update 8:45 p.m., February 14, 2023--
At this time, those who have already been evacuated will remain evacuated. The shelter-in-place order has been lifted. Interstate 10 remains closed between Kolb and Rita roads. Motorists in the Tucson area should plan for this closure to impact their Wednesday morning commute.
--Update 8:14 p.m., February 14, 2023--
We can confirm the driver of the commercial vehicle is deceased.
--Update 6:47 p.m., February 14, 2023--
Unified Command has evacuated a one half mile perimeter around the incident.
Unified Command has directed to shelter in place within one mile around the incident.
Unified Command is comprised of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Tucson Police Department and Tucson Fire Department.
--Update 5:56 p.m., February 14, 2023--
Correction: The vehicle involved was a truck tractor pulling a box trailer.
--Update 5:09 p.m., February 14, 2023--
The tanker commercial vehicle involved in this collision was hauling nitric acid in liquid form.
Interstate 10 remains closed in both directions between Rita and Kolb roads in Tucson. The public should avoid the area and motorists should seek an alternate route. Troopers anticipate an extensive closure.
--Initial Information 4:25 p.m., February 14, 2023--
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is investigating a collision involving a commercial truck tractor hauling a box trailer tanker that rolled over on Interstate 10 eastbound between Rita and Kolb roads at approximately 2:43 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. The tanker commercial vehicle is leaking hazardous material.
Interstate 10 is currently closed in both directions between Rita and Kolb roads. Troopers anticipate an extensive closure; motorists are advised to avoid the area.
The AZDPS Hazardous Materials Response Unit and partner agencies including Tucson Fire Department, Tucson Police Department, Pima County Sheriff's Department and Marana Police Department are working together to mitigate the incident. First responders are working to evacuate a perimeter around the area of the incident.
