Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Chemical Spill Shuts Down I-5 North in San Juan

All lanes reopened at 12:30 p.m. after firefighters cleaned up muriatic acid that bubbled and steamed on the freeway.

Thirteen one-liter containers of muriatic acid fell off a truck and splattered across the freeway in San Juan Capistrano this morning, emitting a foul stench and smoke, according to reports from the California Highway Patrol and officers at the scene.

The first call to the CHP came in about 11 a.m. with reports that vehicles were hitting the containers and smoke was coming up from the pavement. The acid would have stripped paint from the vehicles as it came into contact with them.

All northbound lanes reopened at 12:30 p.m. Cars were stopped directly across from Paradise Automotive Group, congesting traffic south into San Diego County. No one was injured in the incident.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When muriatic acid—commonly used to clean swimming pools—comes into contact with cement, it bubbles, turns green and smokes, officials said.

"There were a lot of bubbling and smoke," said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Marc Stone.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Muriatic acid is severely corrosive in concentrations sold for home improvement and industrial uses, and is one of the most dangerous chemicals available for consumer purchase.

The fumes are irritants to mucous membranes, lungs and eyes. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, acute, exposure to fumes in high concentrations can cause laryngitis, bronchitis, and pulmonary edema.


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