Big Rig Slams Into Tree Causing Chemical Scare.
Officials say a trucker has been critically hurt in a Texas wreck that led to a hazardous materials scare when a soap-making chemical leaked.
Hospital authorities say five emergency workers were treated Wednesday for possible exposure to what turned out to be a non-hazardous material.
The Department of Public Safety says the accident happened near Cleveland, about 40 miles northeast of Houston. A freight-hauling truck hit a tree.
Officials say the driver was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston. Further details on the trucker weren't immediately released.
Bryan McLeod with the Harris County Hospital District says hospital officials initially were not sure of the chemical. A decontamination area was set up. McLeod says experts later determined the chemical was alkaline sulfate, which is used to make soap products.
