Crime & Safety
Indiana HazMat Alert: 300 Gallons of Corrosive Chemical Spilled
LAFAYETTE, IN – A major hazardous materials emergency in Tippecanoe County prompted evacuations, shelter in place warnings and roadway closures Thursday evening after a semi trailer leaked approximate
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-09T23:33:25.889Z
LAFAYETTE, IN – A major hazardous materials emergency in Tippecanoe County prompted evacuations, shelter in place warnings and roadway closures Thursday evening after a semi trailer leaked approximately 300 gallons of a corrosive chemical along a nearly four mile stretch of Lafayette.
According to the Lafayette Fire Department , emergency crews responded around 6:40 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, to reports of a strong chemical odor near 3990 South Street.
Responders discovered a leaking substance extending from a parking lot north of Rivera Maya along South Street toward Interstate 65.
Police secured affected roadways while nearby businesses were advised to shelter in place.
At approximately 6:54 p.m., the truck driver contacted 911 from Love's Truck Stop to report a trailer leak, prompting a precautionary evacuation.
Investigators identified the substance as AQUCAR GA 50 Water Treatment Microbiocide, a corrosive liquid transported in 16 intermediate bulk containers.
Authorities determined an emergency braking maneuver on I 65 near mile marker 168 caused the cargo to shift, damaging one container.
The driver initially believed the trailer's brakes were smoking and exited the interstate. After discovering the leak, the driver relocated the truck to Love's to move the hazard away from the more populated South Street area.
HazMat crews estimated approximately 300 gallons escaped from the damaged container.
Working with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, emergency responders used soda ash to neutralize pooled chemical and large quantities of water to dilute contamination on affected roads.
Fire officials emphasized that no chemical entered rivers, creeks, waterways or stormwater drains.
Roadways and businesses reopened as affected areas were treated.
An environmental cleanup contractor was called in, with cleanup expected to conclude Friday, Oct. 9.
Officials advised anyone experiencing persistent throat, eye or skin irritation to seek medical attention.
Motorists whose vehicles contacted the spilled chemical were advised to rinse them thoroughly with water.