Freeway Reopens After Cleanup of Boric Acid
A stretch of the southbound San Diego Freeway near the Ventura Freeway interchange reopened Saturday morning after being closed for nearly 20 hours after an accident in which a truck carrying 38,000 pounds of boric acid overturned.
The roadway, closed down about 4:45 p.m. Friday, was reopened after hazardous waste crews removed about four cubic yards of the chemical powder that had spilled onto the right shoulder, said California Highway Patrol Officer Robert Bruce.
Boric acid is used as a mild antiseptic and to make cement and enamels.
Bruce said the substance can be dangerous if it is inhaled. Some of the powder spilled into the adjacent Los Angeles River channel.
Bruce said the truck overturned because it was going too fast.
No injuries were reported.
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