Hydrochloric Acid Spill Prompts Temporary Closure on Santo Domingo’s Malecón

A chemical spill on Santo Domingo’s George Washington Avenue led authorities to temporarily close part of the waterfront road on Tuesday, November 10, after a container carrying hydrochloric acid broke and released its contents onto the pavement, according to reports on Dominican today news.

The incident occurred near the intersection with Socorro Sánchez Street, according to information provided by José Luis Frómeta Herasme, head of the National District Fire Department. Authorities identified the substance through the product’s transport manifest, which confirmed it was hydrochloric acid.

Truck maneuver preceded the chemical leak

The spill reportedly happened when the truck driver braked suddenly to avoid a car that had moved into the vehicle’s path. The maneuver caused one of the containers carrying the chemical to break, allowing the liquid to spread across the roadway.

Police officers and firefighters secured the affected area and restricted access to prevent motorists and pedestrians from coming into direct contact with the substance. The response followed procedures for incidents involving hazardous materials.

Authorities identified the substance as hydrochloric acid

The chemical was identified as a 30% hydrochloric acid solution, a highly corrosive substance used in various industrial processes. Contact can cause skin and eye burns, while exposure to its fumes may irritate or damage the respiratory system.

Early reports from the scene raised concerns about a possible reaction between the substance and water. However, after treating and decontaminating the affected area, firefighters used water to wash the road. The fire department chief explained that this final cleaning step was necessary because chemical residue could leave the pavement slippery.

Traffic restored after cleanup

The restriction remained in place while emergency crews completed the operation. Traffic on George Washington Avenue was fully restored during the early afternoon.

Authorities reported no injuries or officially confirmed cases of people affected by the spill. However, some individuals who were near the scene told local media they experienced skin itching and burning sensations, and that the substance’s odor could be detected from a considerable distance.

The incident highlights the risks associated with transporting corrosive industrial chemicals through urban areas. Keeping the public away from the spill zone and allowing trained emergency personnel to handle the material were central to the response.