Liquid Nitrogen Leak from Tanker Truck Closes Intersection Near Lompoc
A liquid nitrogen tanker truck with a faulty valve caused a hazardous materials incident west of Lompoc on Sunday. The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of West Central Avenue and North Artesia Avenue.
The tanker, containing approximately 7,800 pounds of liquid nitrogen, prompted responses from the California Highway Patrol, Lompoc Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and Vandenberg Space Force Base fire departments. Liquid nitrogen, while inert and non-flammable, can pose asphyxiation risks and cause frostbite due to its extreme cold.
The county's HazMat 31 crew was deployed to isolate the leak. The intersection was closed until the leak was either fixed or the liquid nitrogen was transferred to another container.
