RANKIN, TX — A state highway in West Texas was shut down for more than three hours recently due to a fire involving radioactive materials, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
On Friday, July 19, members of the DPS Radiation/Nuclear Detection Unit responded to the scene of a semi-truck on fire on State Highway 329 northwest of Rankin.
The truck was transporting UN3332, a radioactive material that contains Cesium-137, which can pose a serious health threat.
The road was immediately closed by local authorities, and DPS personnel began taking action to ensure the public’s safety, as well as that of the first responders who had been exposed to potential radiation.
Once everyone and the area was determined to be safe, the truck company was allowed to safely transport the UN3332 back to its facility.
The road reopened to traffic around 11 p.m., about three hours after it was shut down.
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