Tucson – (KVOA) Fatal single vehicle rollover on Feb. 14 that caused nitric acid leak on I-10 occurred just before 3pm
DPS has identified the deceased driver as a 54-year-old Nevada man.
Within minutes, other agencies arrived on the scene, including the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Tucson Fire Department.
Traffic stopped in both directions on the interstate.
It will be nearly 28 hours before I-10 reopens.
For some families in need of evacuation or evacuation, Tucson City Councilman Nikki Lee argues that answers have been difficult to come by at times in this fluid situation.
Lee represents Ward 4, which was most affected by the hazardous materials spill. She urged Congress to discuss the case at a study session on Tuesday. Lee hopes this will lead to better communication between agencies in the future.
“My hope is that everyone involved, all stakeholders involved, especially the residents of Ward 4 who were told to evacuate there and not pick up their children. Oh no wait I have to pick up the kids,” Lee told News4Tucson. “I was really confused when all this was happening.”
One parent at Vail Academy told News 4 Tucson that she believes the school and the Arizona Department of Public Safety have done a good job of informing families about moving parts.
“I feel like the school told us that very quickly,” Kathy Hartwig said. I was told to come and pick up the children immediately. Information as soon as anything new is announced.”
The AZDPS emergency response that day was headed by Capt. Ben Buller.
He said Monday his team is learning from the communication gap.
“One of the lessons learned is that more information is probably better in terms of informing the public about things,” Buller said. “What I am very proud of is our ability to step back and identify what we can do better. Get the best leadership from government agencies they can get.”
I-10 reopened Wednesday night around 7pm.
Lee is grateful that Hazmat’s situation didn’t get worse. She wants to focus on her preparation, she thinks.
“So I’m glad it didn’t happen all over town, but I want people to know that it could have happened. How are you going to prepare in the future if it happens,” she said. Told.
A discussion is set for Tuesday afternoon.
