In the early morning of August 22, a tanker trunk hauling iso-butane was rear ended by an 18-wheeler hauling beer on east bound I-10, just after the split with I-12. Two other vehicles were also involved. All traffic on I-10 and Essen lane was shut down. The butane was leaking from the damaged valves. The Louisiana State Police investigated, secured the situation, and began directing the response. EPA was requested to assist in the air monitoring.
State Police conducted an assessment of the butane tanker. They determined that the tanker could not be moved safely, either under its own power or any other method. All the valves were located at the rear, where the damage occured and were damaged and unusable. Several response organizations assessed the possibility of tapping the tanker and offloading the butane. Due to the age of the tanker, built 1965, and the construction, tapping was no advisable. The State Police and the owners of the truck determined there was no other alternative but to vent and burn in place.
State police prepared the highway with metal plates, berming, and dirt pads to protect the roadway. The owners of the truck agreed that the only feasible method to mitigate the situation was to vent and burn but would not hire the contractor to do so. They did not oppose the action. EPA hired an explosive contractor to execute the plan.
Shortly before 11:00 pm, shape charges were set off and the tank vented quickly and completely. Within about 20 minutes, almost all of the butane was consumed. EPA and LDEQ conducted air monitoring. The burning was complete enough that all the readings were non-detect. By 2:00 am on August 23, cleanup and removal operations recommenced and I-10 was reopend at 6:45 am.
Recon of the area on August 23, showed very little evidence that the fire occurred. No spalding of the concrete, little burn marks, no debris.
