Truck hauling ammonium nitrate catches fire, shuts down Hwy 97: Clinton RCMP
Posted December 30, 2023 2:33 pm.
A truck hauling a dangerous substance caught fire and shut down a section of Highway 97 Friday night, according to the Clinton RCMP.
At approximately 6:45 p.m., police say they responded to a parked tanker trailer on fire along the highway near 70 Mile House.
Upon arrival, the RCMP says it determined the truck was hauling ammonium nitrate — a substance that is highly toxic if ingested.
Despite the risk, police say the fire only burned one of the truck’s tires and the chemical inside the truck was untouched.
Ammonium nitrate is commonly used to make fertilizer and explosives, as well as in producing antibiotics and yeast.
The highway was shut down in both directions, but police say it has since re-opened.
While the fire remains under investigation, police say preliminary findings suggest the cause is a mechanical issue.
The Ministry of Environment says it’s conducting its own parallel investigation as well.
