01/30/2025

Driver dies in 18-wheeler crash that caused chemical spill in San Jacinto County

Houston Chronicle | Ralph Green, Catherine Dominguez | Jan. 24, 2025

Driver dies in 18-wheeler crash that caused chemical spill in San Jacinto County

Emergency crews were continuing to work Friday to contain a sulfur dioxide spill after the driver of an 18-wheeler lost control of the truck and overturned in San Jacinto County, prompting evacuations. 

Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Sammy Lattner confirmed during an afternoon press conference that the driver of the truck was killed in the crash. His name had not been released, pending notification of family.

According to Lattner, around 6:30 a.m. the truck and trailer were northbound on FM 1725 before leaving the roadway. He said the crash left an 8-inch by 1-inch hole in the tanker that was carrying 2,800 gallons of sulfur dioxide.

Lattner said along with emergency personnel from Montgomery and Harris counties were on the scene to help San Jacinto County authorities.

Around 6 p.m Friday, the DPS Southeast Texas Region office said hazardous material crews expect the area to be open for traffic as early as Saturday morning. 

The DPS Southeast Texas Region office also said the San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management is asking displaced residents to get in touch with the San Jacinto Agriculture Extension Office to help them feed and care for animals. 

According to the San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management, authorities had evacuated a 3-mile radius around the crash near FM 3081.

Lattner said crews were focused on cleaning up the spill and the safety of cleanup crews and residents, he but said he did not know when residents would be able to return to their homes. A shelter was open at 250 Live Oak St. in Coldspring.

“Hazmat is on the scene, and we don’t have a time of clearance yet, it could be several hours,” said Rhonda Oaks, TxDOT Lufkin District public information officer. “I know there are some evacuations in the area and as far as the roadways, we have our guys three miles out and discouraging people from going anywhere near it.”

Lattner said air quality devices were placed about 200 yards from the crash site but had not detected any chemicals as of Friday afternoon.

Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District confirmed on Facebook a bus carrying 29 students and the bus driver unknowingly passed through the affected area during the incident.

"All students and the bus driver were promptly assessed and treated by EMS at the JSE/CIS bus loop. Out of an abundance of caution, they are now being transported to a medical facility for further evaluation," school officials stated on Facebook.

Lattner said all students were taken to HCA-Conroe where they were treated and released.

Jason Millsaps, executive director of the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said crews with his office were on the scene helping with evacuations. He said the office was using its newly purchased 21-passenger ambulance.

Sulfur oxide is a heavy, colorless, poisonous gas with a pungent, irritating odor familiar as the smell of a just-struck match. Short-term sulfur oxide exposure can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. People with asthma, particularly children, are sensitive to the effects of sulfur oxide, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The San Jacinto Office of Emergency Management is urging anyone experiencing signs such as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs to seek medical attention from a physician.