Chemical Tanker Crash in Taoyuan, Taiwan: Xylene Leak Prompts Emergency Response

A chemical tanker carrying xylene overturned in Taoyuan, Taiwan, causing a significant spill and prompting a swift response from emergency services.

A chemical tanker carrying a load of xylene overturned in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, on the morning of November 23rd. The incident occurred in the Guanyin District when the tanker, driven by a 53-year-old man identified as Mr. Ni, was navigating a turn. Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed may have contributed to the accident.

The tanker was traveling on Taoke Second Road when it attempted a left turn onto Baiyu Third Road. It lost control, colliding with six parked cars before overturning. The impact resulted in a significant leak of xylene, a flammable chemical substance.

Firefighters from the Taoyuan City Fire Department swiftly responded to the scene, dispatching five fire engines and one ambulance with a total of 14 personnel. Mr. Ni, the driver, was transported to the New Wu Branch of Taoyuan General Hospital for treatment. Due to the flammable nature of the spilled xylene, the fire department deployed five water tankers to provide immediate safety measures.

The Environmental Protection Administration's Northern Region Environmental Accident Technical Team was also mobilized to manage the cleanup operation. Police from the Dayuan Precinct established traffic control measures, closing Baiyu Third Road and Taoke Tenth Road to Taoke Eleventh Road. Initial investigations indicated that Mr. Ni's blood alcohol level was zero. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.