
Major US City Declares Emergency as 4,500 Gallons of Toxic Chemicals Flood Streets
Emergency Declared After 4,500 Gallons of Toxic Nitric Acid Spill Near Boeing Facility in St. Louis
By Stacy Liberatore for DailyMail.com
Updated: 20:46 BST, 25 July 2025
[IMAGE 1: A yellowish haze looms over McDonnell Boulevard near Boeing’s facility. Caption: A nitric acid spill created a yellow cloud near Lambert International Airport.]
A major chemical emergency unfolded in St. Louis, Missouri, on Thursday after a tanker truck spilled over 4,500 gallons of toxic nitric acid outside a Boeing facility. The incident, caused by a mechanical failure, occurred around 9 a.m. local time, triggering road closures and a multi-agency cleanup effort.
Nitric acid, a corrosive chemical used in industrial processes, poses serious health risks. Inhalation can burn the lungs, and leaks often produce hazardous yellow fumes. Local reports confirmed a yellowish cloud near Boeing’s site on McDonnell Boulevard, close to Lambert International Airport, which serves over 41,000 passengers daily.
Road Closures and Emergency Response
Hazelwood police closed roads between Lindbergh Boulevard and Byassee Drive as hazmat crews from multiple agencies, including the St. Louis County HAZMAT team and Missouri Department of Natural Resources, rushed to contain the spill. Firefighters braved extreme heat in protective gear to prevent the chemical from seeping into sewers and nearby Coldwater Creek.
Hazelwood Fire Chief Dan Luley stated the cleanup would take hours, with no injuries reported. “We’re prioritizing containment and preventing environmental damage,” he said. Though some contamination reached the creek, officials expect it to be resolved by day’s end.
[IMAGE 2: Hazmat crews in protective suits work at the spill site. Caption: Emergency responders contain the nitric acid leak near Boeing’s facility.]
Boeing’s Role and Safety Measures
A Boeing spokesperson confirmed the incident occurred during a routine nitric acid removal process. “Employee safety is our priority. The situation is safely resolved,” they said. The facility, acquired from GKN Aerospace in 2024, produces parts for F/A-18 and F-15 jets. Nitric acid is used there for passivating stainless steel—a process that enhances corrosion resistance.
Environmental Concerns
Authorities used dirt barriers to stop the spill from spreading, emphasizing vigilance over local waterways. Nitric acid’s reactivity requires careful handling to avoid long-term ecological harm. Residents were advised to avoid the area until roads reopen.
The incident underscores the risks of transporting industrial chemicals, even as Boeing and responders worked swiftly to mitigate fallout. Updates on road closures and environmental impact will follow as cleanup concludes.
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