FILE: An aerial view of Highway 92 in San Mateo.
Andrew Holt/Getty ImagesA hazardous material spill closed a section of eastbound Highway 92 west of Highway 101 in San Mateo on Thursday afternoon, and the closure is expected to continue into the evening, affecting travel, officials said. official
“Public safety officials are on scene assessing the liquid spill and are asking the surrounding area to evacuate the area,” the San Mateo Police Department said.
Police said anyone living within a quarter-mile of the spill should stay in the area.
The San Mateo Fire Department identified the substance as sodium bisulfite, a salt mixture that smells like rotten eggs. It can irritate the eyes, skin and mucous membranes “if inhaled, absorbed, or in contact with the eyes or skin,” according to San Mateo police.
“If you go through the spill, on Highway 92, the material is a bit of a hazard,” police said. “It’s a little corrosive, and it should be washed off your car with plenty of water.”
During the cleanup effort, officials also closed 19th Avenue from Grant to South Norfolk, and this closure will continue through the morning of July 14, officials said.
KCBS Radio reported with the closures creating traffic backups.
