The vice president of the chemical company whose tractor-trailer leaked hydrochloric acid on Nicholson Road rebutted allegations Wednesday that the company’s driver is at fault.
Clay Wade, vice president of the southeast branch of Brenntag chemical company, said a Chevy Tahoe pulled in front of Myron Jackson, the Baton Rouge resident who was driving the truck, while Jackson was driving north on Nicholson Drive on Tuesday. Wade said Jackson had to “stand on his brakes” to avoid a more serious accident.
When Moore hit his brakes, the containers inside his truck slammed toward the front and punctured a container that held the hydrochloric acid.
The container of acid was secured with heavy canvas according to regular procedure, Wade said.
“We have eye witnesses who said our driver did his best to drive defensively,” Wade said.
Wade confirmed that state police cited Jackson for having an unsecured load and a leaking package. He said there are no other charges.
Jackson took a drug test early Wednesday morning as required by the Department of Transportation, and Brenntag is waiting for the results.
“We have no reason to believe he will test positive,” Wade said.
Wade said Jackson is a long-term employee with an excellent safety record.
“But it seems that he is guilty until proven innocent,” Wade said, referring to recent media coverage.
The Department of Environmental Quality is considering charges against Brenntag for clean-up costs.
Brenntag officials are currently investigating the accident.
“If we find something wrong in the investigation, we will address it,” Wade said, and added that Jackon is an “ultra-safe driver.”
Jackson will be restricted from working until the investigation is over, Wade said.
U.S. Environmental, a company that specializes in handling chemical spills, responded to an emergency call from CURA Emergency Service — with which Brenntag has a contract — and promptly arrived to clean up the spill, Wade said.