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Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office
UPDATE 4:30 p.m: Fayette County Emergency Management Chief Craig Moreau said the hazmat team has cleared the scene at the Pilot Truck Stop in Schulenburg. The area is safe for residents to return. Moreau said the person injured earlier was a Schulenburg first responder who was exposed to the chemical and developed shortness of breath. That person was transported to Columbus Community Hospital for treatment and has been released, he said.
EARLIER:
Officials are evacuating residents around the Pilot Truck Stop in Schulenburg after a chemical leak that occurred this afternoon.
According to Fayette County Emergency Management Chief Craig Moreau, a tanker carrying sulfur dioxide began leaking in the parking lot of the Pilot shortly before 2 p.m. Moreau said it appears the leak was due to a valve or gasket failure.
Moreau said officials are evacuating everyone within a mile north of the truck stop and a half mile in other directions. Residents within two miles of the truck stop are being asked to shelter in place. A hazardous materials team has arrived to begin the cleanup.
Moreau said one person has been injured due to exposure. He said described the severity of that person’s injuries as mild to moderate.
Sulfure dioxide is a chemical commonly used in manufacturing, Moreau said. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Controls, “Exposure to sulfur dioxide may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Symptoms include: nasal mucus, choking, cough, and reflex bronchi constriction.”
Agencies assisting on scene include the Schulenburg Police Department, the Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department, Fayette County Emergency Medical Services, and the Fayette County Texas- Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
