There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler in San Jacinto County, Texas on January 24, 2025. According to reports, an 18-wheeler tanker traveling northbound on FM 1725 lost control before rolling over. During the crash the tank was ruptured, resulting in a chemical spill of sulfur dioxide. The truck was carrying 2,800 gallons of the chemical at the time of the accident. At least 29 students and a bus driver were taken to a local hospital after experiencing symptoms from their exposure to the released chemical, including sore throats and coughing. 37 people total were treated for their exposure to the chemical. The driver of the tanker truck was killed in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
During the violent impact of the crash, the tanker’s containment system was ruptured, causing its hazardous cargo to spill onto the roadway and surrounding area. Tragically, the driver of the 18-wheeler was killed in the crash, marking a somber aspect of an already dangerous situation. Authorities promptly began an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and assess the full extent of the environmental and health impact.
The chemical released in the crash was sulfur dioxide, a toxic substance with significant potential to harm both humans and the environment. Sulfur dioxide, a colorless gas with a sharp, choking odor, is commonly used in industrial processes but poses serious risks when released uncontrollably. Its toxicity can cause a variety of health problems, especially when people are exposed to high concentrations or for extended periods.
One of the immediate consequences of the spill was its impact on individuals in close proximity to the crash. A school bus carrying 29 students and a bus driver was nearby, and all of them were taken to a local hospital after experiencing symptoms from exposure to the sulfur dioxide. These symptoms included sore throats, coughing, and respiratory irritation, all of which are consistent with the effects of inhaling sulfur dioxide. In total, 37 people received medical treatment for exposure, highlighting the scale of the chemical spill’s impact on public health.
Sulfur dioxide exposure can have both short-term and long-term effects, depending on the duration and intensity of exposure. The symptoms reported in this incident—sore throats and coughing—are among the immediate effects of inhaling the chemical, which can irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Prolonged or high-level exposure, however, can lead to more severe health issues, such as difficulty breathing, lung damage, or exacerbation of preexisting conditions like asthma. For this reason, emergency responders and health officials quickly assessed the risks to those in the area, taking steps to protect the affected population and prevent further exposure.
As investigators work to determine what caused the tanker to lose control, efforts are also underway to mitigate the environmental and public health consequences of the spill. Sulfur dioxide’s impact is not limited to its immediate vicinity; it can also pose risks to water sources, air quality, and nearby wildlife. Cleanup crews and environmental agencies are expected to monitor the situation closely to minimize lasting damage. Meanwhile, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials and the critical importance of ensuring their safe handling and containment.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. An 18-wheeler failed to control its speed and struck multiple other semi-trucks and at least six passenger cars on northbound Interstate 35 in Hewitt, Texas on January 15, 2025. There was a crash involving multiple 18-wheelers in Fort Bend County, Texas on January 21, 2025. There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler near La Pryor in Zavala County, Texas on January 21, 2025.
Spagnoletti Law Firm is proud to have attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and New York. Our team has worked on numerous cases involving severe auto and bus accidents, offering dedicated legal representation to families who have lost loved ones or individuals who have suffered serious injuries in trucking or commercial vehicle crashes.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, the accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm are here to help you navigate your legal options. Contact us today online or call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation and to learn more about your rights.