BRIEFS: Public safety

Accident leads to alcohol spill

Carlos Lemos/LA PRENSA

wasted:About 2,500 gallons of alcohol was spilled in an accident at Varela Hermanos in Juan Díaz yesterday.1055241

A truck loaded with 10,000 gallons of ethyl alcohol overturned yesterday morning while unloading, causing a traffic jam in Juan Díaz. No one was injured.

The truck was unloading at Varela Hermanos, near Rommel Fernández Stadium. Company spokesman Horacio Hoquee said the accident happened at about 9:30 a.m., shortly after the truck arrived from one of the company's plants in Herrera.

Part of the floor that the truck was parked on collapsed, causing one of the truck's compartments to rupture. About 2,500 gallons were spilled.

Hoquee said that the truck was loaded with raw material used to make alcohol. The company produces four types of liquor, including the popular brands Varela Hermanos Seco and Ron Abuelo.

While the ethyl alcohol is not toxic, there was a danger that the fumes, which are extremely flammable, could cause an explosion. This prompted firefighters to block off roads in the area and cover the spill with foam.