~ Colorado Springs, CO - On Wednesday morning, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) responded to a hazardous materials incident on N. Chelton Rd that resulted in significant injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 11:06 a.m.

According to initial reports from parties on the scene, a sanitation worker was dumping trash into a garbage truck when they were exposed to an unknown substance. The individual suffered severe burns from the substance, as reported by witnesses.

CSFD Engine 7 arrived at the scene at 11:10 a.m. and found an adult male with chemical burns covering 60% of his body. The patient was immediately loaded into an ambulance and transported to a nearby hospital. Due to the extent of his injuries, he was then airlifted to a Denver hospital in critical condition. At the time of this release, the current status of the patient is not known.

HAZMAT 14 and Engine 14 also responded to the scene to investigate the unknown substance. HAZMAT crews safely entered the area wearing proper personal protective equipment and obtained a sample of the substance for testing. After further investigation, it was determined that the substance was sulfuric acid - a highly corrosive liquid commonly used in car batteries and drain cleaners. It is currently unknown how or why this hazardous material was improperly disposed of.

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Fire crews remained on scene for cleanup efforts while HAZMAT crews safely removed the trash truck involved in the incident for additional cleaning. City Stormwater also responded as a precautionary measure to test nearby drains for any signs of sulfuric acid contamination.

The CSFD would like to remind the public about proper disposal of hazardous materials and urges them not to dispose of such items in their household trash cans. Improper disposal can lead to explosions, fires, and significant injuries. Instead, individuals should dispose of these materials at designated facilities such as El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

As a result of the incident, N. Chelton Rd. was closed between Maizeland Rd. and Pine Bluff Rd. for approximately three hours while crews worked to resolve the situation. The road has since been reopened to the public.

The CSFD is continuing to investigate the incident and will provide updates as they become available. They also urge anyone with information about the improper disposal of sulfuric acid to come forward and contact authorities immediately.

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