These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| Occurence Date: | 3 June |
|---|---|
| Location: | Springfield, VA |
| Source: | Flatbed Truck |
| Material: | Fireworks Powder |
| Severity: | Unknown |
| Quantity Discharged: | N/A |
| Quantity in Water: | N/A |
| Body of Water Affected: | None |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | EPA Region III |
At 4:00 A.M., June 02, 1999 a flatbed truck carrying 20 tons of explosive black powder overturned at a major highway interchange prompting the evacuation of dozens of homes and forcing a nearly all day closure of Interstate 95, 395 and 495 in the Washington, D.C. area.More than 50 homes and 150 people were evacuated as a precaution. The contents are contained and officials are awaiting qualified personnel to remove the explosives. It is also expected that this operation will disrupt the evening rush hour. The powder is considered a Type-A explosive, which could propel fragments up to a mile or more if an explosion were to occur. CASE PENDS