Tanker wrecks, spills flammable solvent

Update: The Little Rock Fire department says the spill was cleaned up around 4:30am Tuesday and the intersection was reopened. The trucking company called in a private hazmat company for the cleanup, US Environmental Cleanup.


LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Little Rock Fire Department and Hazmat teams are on the scene of a big rig accident that is leaking the solvent it was carrying.

LRFD says the truck was carrying Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, which is commonly used as a solvent. About 25 firefighters are on scene near Alexander Road and Vimey Ridge Road while crews work to keep the truck from leaking.

The cold temperatures are helping suppress the fumes coming off the spilled liquid. The EPA says short-term exposure to Methy Isobutyl Ketone “may irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, and cause weakness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, vomiting, and dizziness.”

Once the leak from the tanker can be stopped, crews will begin the cleanup process.

The fire department says the driver was not injured in the accident.