SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas — An overturned 18-wheeler has closed FM 1725 at FM 3081 in San Jacinto County following a crash that resulted in a hazardous materials spill Friday morning, according to the Texas Department of Transportation in Lufkin.
This is just east of Waverly and south of Highway 150. TxDOT said the closure expanded for three miles in each direction from the spill.
Hazmat crews remain on the scene and are working to address the situation, TxDOT said. Officials are urging drivers to avoid the area while the scene is cleared.
The San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management said 29 students and a bus driver were exposed after inhaling sulfur dioxide from the spill.
A Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD school bus unknowingly passed through the affected area shortly after the hazardous material spill occurred on FM 1725, according to district officials.
The students and driver were initially assessed at the JSE/CIS bus loop before being taken to a hospital for further evaluation, the district said. All have since been medically cleared and are safe.
The district said it maintained constant communication with families, ensuring parents were notified immediately.
In total, 37 people were treated for being exposed to the chemical, the OEM said.
The sheriff’s office said that anyone being evacuated from the crash scene can go to the San Jacinto County Innovation Center Shelter, located next to the sheriff’s office in Coldspring, for shelter and warming.
TxDOT said there is no estimated time for reopening the area.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes until further notice. TxDOT will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Check back for more on this developing story.
ALERT: FM 1725 is closed at FM 3081 in San Jacinto County due to a crash that resulted in a hazmat spill. Crews are on the scene along with Hazmat specialists to clear the scene. Avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/RkLEwpcxJb
— TxDOT Lufkin (@TxDOTLufkin) January 24, 2025
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