Hazmat Incident in Jurupa Valley Leaves 7 Civilians and 2 Firefighters Hospitalized

On Friday, September 23, 2022, there was a hazmat incident that left 7 civilians and 2 firefighters needing hospitalization. The incident occurred shortly before 10:15am at a container recycling center the 2200 block of Via Cerro in Jurupa Valley.

When the Riverside County Fire Department on scene, they reportedly found one person on the ground; they were informed that there was a hazardous material spill in the building. The person that was found on the floor was removed from the building and taken to a hospital. Two firefighters were also transported as a precaution after entering the building. Before being transported to the hospital, affected parties were hosed off. The firefighters were treated and released from the hospital.

Hazmat teams found a substance at the bottom of a container that has since tested positive for an unknown caustic material which can potentially cause respiratory issues when inhaled. According to Fire Chief Andrew Kibby, it is possible that the container off-gassed as it was being opened, causing the person that opened it and others around to inhale these gases. Off-gassing occurs when a gas that has been trapped or dissolved is released into the air.

According to the fire chief, there is no threat to the public as the incident was completely contained within the business.

Although this incident seemed to have been quickly gotten under control, there have been multiple incidents in the past that have had devastating consequences. In many instances, hazmat incidents can be directly attributed to the negligent actions of parties or entities who fail to properly handle hazmat materials or who contribute to exposure to hazardous materials in other ways.

If you or a loved one suffered harm after being exposed to hazardous materials, you could have grounds to file a lawsuit. For more information about the legal options available to you, do not hesitate to look for legal assistance. Here at our law firm, our lawyers are more than ready to take on your claim and help you recover the highest settlement available for the harm that you suffered. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with the lawyers here at our law firm, contact us today.

There are four different types of hazardous materials – explosives, gases, flammable liquids, and flammable solids or substances. Some examples include batteries, light bulbs, industrial solvents, herbicides, pesticides, paints, aerosols, etc. Of course, these materials are hazardous for a reason, and should be treated as such. Unfortunately, some businesses fail to handle these materials properly, resulting in these materials being released into their business or even into the environment. This can result in significant injuries to affected parties, including respiratory injuries (trouble breathing, shortness of breath, burns to lungs, etc.), chemical burns (to eyes, face, etc.), and loss of consciousness, for example. No matter the harm that you or a loved one suffered due to exposure to hazardous materials, it is important that you seek legal help – you could have the right to sue.