Hydrochloric acid leaks after semi-truck overturns in Weld County

WELD COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A crash involving two hazardous materials semi-trucks shut down a rural Weld County intersection early Tuesday after one of the tankers began leaking hydrochloric acid.

According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), troopers responded around 12:45 a.m. on Aug. 4 to the crash at the intersection of Weld County Road 66 and Weld County Road 43, northeast of Greeley.

Investigators said an International Harvester semi hauling hydrochloric acid was traveling east on Weld County Road 66 and stopped at a stop sign before entering the intersection. At the same time, a Kenworth semi hauling natural gas was traveling south on Weld County Road 43, which does not have a stop sign.

CSP says the International Harvester pulled into the Kenworth's path, causing the Kenworth to strike the left side of the tanker trailer. The impact overturned the hydrochloric acid trailer into an irrigation ditch along the south side of the road.

The overturned tanker began leaking hydrochloric acid, prompting a response from CSP HAZMAT units and the Eaton Fire Department. Officials determined an outer pipe on the trailer had split, allowing the chemical to escape. Crews were able to contain the leak, but investigators have not yet determined how much hydrochloric acid was released.

Neither driver was injured in the crash. The drivers were identified only as a 54-year-old man from Denver, who was driving the International Harvester, and a 71-year-old man from Firestone, who was driving the Kenworth.

The Denver driver was cited for failing to yield the right-of-way while proceeding through a stop sign.

The intersection, along with nearby sections of Weld County Roads 66 and 43, remained closed Tuesday as investigators processed the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the CSP.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.