Acid spillage interrupts traffic on Route 5 in Región de los Ríos

VALDIVIA.- Traffic was suspended this morning along Route 5 after a truck carrying chlorohydric acid flipped over on the highway between the municipalities of San José and Mafil in the Región de los Ríos.

The vehicle, which belongs to the Transporte Vergara Company, was carrying 15,000 liters of the substance, and spilled 3,000 liters in the area.

The 1st and 2nd firefightinh units of the Mafil Fire Department, as well as the 6th unit from Valdivia (specialists in hazardous materials) as well as police officers, were dispatched to the scene of the accident, which took place at approximately 12:30 am.

Traffic was detoured towards Ruta de Los Ríos until 8:30 am, when the road was re-opened.

Meanwhile, residents of three nearby homes -10 people in total- were evacuated from the area and taken to stay with relatives.