September 3rd, 2010 | 
Author: HAMSHIRE, Texas — An eastbound semi tractor trailer collided with a passenger truck and overturned releasing the highly toxic and corrosive chemical isobutane. Isobutane is used as a feedstock in the petrochemical industry. It’s flammable and corrosive and can be fatal if inhaled in large amounts.
The accident occurred at about 3:30 am Sunday, August 29, on I-10 East near Hamshire Road, according to Trooper Stephanie Davis with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Hamshire is located in Jefferson County about 20 miles southwest of Beaumont and about 65 miles east of Houston.
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The tanker was carrying 8,500 gallons of isobutane. As of about 1:45 p.m. on Monday, 60 percent of the chemical had been contained. Texas Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Tela Mange said on Monday that I-10 would be closed between Texas 73 and Farm Road 365 near Hamshire.
According to Trooper Davis, the driver of the tanker truck, 30-year-old Branden Swiney of Orange, suffered leg injuries. No injuries were reported at the time for a father and son in the pickup.
Law enforcement officers evacuated a subdivision near the accident site at I-10 and Hamshire Road. The Red Cross opened a shelter at Hamshire Baptist Church at Highway 124 and Hamshire Road. Dozens of people stayed at the shelter and about 18 were given rooms by Dufour Petroleum, the company that owns the tractor trailer. A spokeswoman for the church told KFDM News they fed the remaining few evacuees Monday morning and they left.
DPS Sgt. Chuck Havard told KFDM News troopers reopened Highway 124 North at about 11 a.m. Monday. Drivers can travel on Hwy. 124 and connect with Highway 73. Highway 73 as an alternate route for people traveling east. Highway 90 is an alternate for people traveling west.
The accident remains under investigation at this time.
For more information about Texas trucking laws, truck injury causes and victims rights, contact nationwide truck accident lawyers Gordon, Elias & Seely, LLP for expert advice. For a free initial consultation, talk to a Houston truck accident lawyer at 1.800.773.6770.
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