Chemicals Spill, Driver Hurt in Crash
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A pickup truck carrying pool-cleaning chemicals crashed into a Santa Monica bank building Sunday, seriously burning the driver and sending toxic liquids into the closed bank, authorities said.
The truck skidded out of control on Montana Avenue and rammed into the First Federal bank, said Santa Monica Fire Department spokeswoman Roni Roseberg.
The unidentified driver, who was scorched by the leaking chemicals, also suffered head and chest injuries in the crash, Roseberg said.
A passerby who tried to help him was treated at a local hospital for inhalation of fumes. Firefighters who pried the driver from the wreckage wore breathing devices to avoid inhaling toxic chlorine gas.
The driver was in serious condition at UCLA Medical Center.
A hazardous materials team cleaned out the bank, Roseberg said.
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