By Janice Morse
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MIDDLETOWN - After 55 gallons of a hazardous chemical spilled from a truck Friday morning, emergency workers evacuated 150 apartments and 75 homes, closed surrounding roads for seven hours and treated two people.

Much more serious consequences had been possible, given that the truck contained other chemicals that could have reacted with the spilled hydrochloric acid, said fire Capt. Steve Botts.

Noting the chemicals are considered toxins that could cause illness, injury or death if inhaled, eaten or touched, Botts said, "There were a lot of things that went right."

The driver moved to a less-congested area when he saw smoke reflected in his rear-view mirror. Other chemicals' containers remained intact. Crews responded quickly to the incident, reported about 8 a.m.

The truck's load shifted during a "hard stop" at Roosevelt Boulevard and Elliott Drive, causing a 5-inch gash in the acid drum. The driver, identified as Aaron C. Russell of Fairfield, pulled over at South Breiel Boulevard near Bonita Drive; a motorist behind him called 911, officials said. Police cited Russell for an unsecured load.

Russell, employed by Univar of Cincinnati, was driving his semi truck to make a delivery of some chemicals at AK Steel, though the hydrochloric acid was destined for another company, police said.

Because of concerns about a vapor cloud emanating from the truck, residents were evacuated to Verity Middle School.

Police closed sections of surrounding roads, including Ohio 122, to traffic while the city fire department's Hazardous Materials Unit and other crews cleaned up the spill. Police reopened the roads around 3:15 p.m.

Botts didn't think there was much concern about any long-term effects from the incident.

E-mail jmorse@enquirer.com