Firefighter inspects the aftermath of a tanker trailer fire in Pennsylvania. - Photo Courtesy of George Clay Fire Company

Firefighter inspects the aftermath of a tanker trailer fire in Pennsylvania.

Photo Courtesy of George Clay Fire Company

A tanker trailer carrying sodium hypochlorite burst into flames Friday morning on Interstate 476 in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania.

At around 4:30 a.m. firefighters with George Clay Fire Company were alerted that a tractor-trailer rig was ablaze. The incident transitioned into a hazardous materials emergency when the contents of the trailer was discovered.

Commonly referred to as bleach, sodium hypochlorite is a household chemical widely used as a disinfectant. When mixed with acids or ammonia, it can produce toxic fumes.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and contain the leak. The Montgomery County Department of Public Safety’s Hazardous Materials team responded to the site to provide mutual aid assistance.

The Lewis Group, an environmenstal management company headquartered in Royerford, Pennsylvania, also participated in the cleanup.

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