Updated 12pm, Thursday January 4: A truck that crashed on the Bass Highway at Latrobe at around 4:30am this morning has been revealed to have been carrying ferric chloride solution.
The hazardous material was being transported in a drum, which cracked after the truck carrying it rolled over, police say.
Ferric chloride is used to treat sewage, industrial waste, to purify water and in the manufacture of other chemicals.
Emergency services are continuing to remove the hazardous material from the roadway.
“The chemical product is contained and there is no risk of exposure to the general public at this time,” the Tasmania Fire Service says.
“For people inside the area between Speedway Drive and Oppenheims Road, Latrobe you are asked to remain indoors and for people outside the incident area you can return to normal business.”
8:55am, Thursday January 4: A truck crash on the Bass Highway in Latrobe has resulted in a ‘dangerous and toxic’ chemical spill, with authorities warning people to stay away.
The spill has forced the closure of sections of the highway, which are expected to remain closed for several hours while the cleanup operation is underway.
According to TasAlert, the “hazardous material incident” took place across from the Ampol Wattle Hill service station.
“Exposure to this material may present a danger,” the warning reads.
“There is no risk of exposure to the general public at this time.”
Tasmania Police reported that the truck carrying chemicals crashed at approximately 4:30am on Thursday morning.
As a result, the Bass Highway has been closed between Moriarty Road and Oppenheims Road and traffic is being rerouted in the area.
“If you are in the immediate area, stay indoors, close all doors, windows and vents and turn air conditioners to recirculate or off.”
“Non-residents should stay away from the affected areas.”
