Cleaning product containing acid causes hazmat situation in Bellevue

A garbage truck driver was taken to a hospital Tuesday after a plume of smoke from a cleaning product containing acid got on his face, according to Bellevue police.

The incident was reported about 8:40 a.m. in the 500 block of Forest Avenue.

The Allegheny County Hazmat unit was called to the scene.

Bellevue police Office Manager Cindy Phelps said that the driver, who works for Waste Management, had been released from the hospital and was doing fine.

According to police, a container of acid exploded in the hopper of the truck, creating a plume that overcame the driver.

“Somebody had put something in their trash, like a cleaning product that had acid in it,” Phelps said. “When the trash truck compacted everything, they smelled the smell and they were concerned. That’s why they called hazmat.”

The driver was taken to a hospital as a precaution, Phelps said.

Bellevue officials said anyone attempting to dispose of hazardous materials at the curb or by other unlawful methods will face prosecution. Residents have been asked to review the Waste Management website for details on how to dispose of hazardous items.

Police are investigating to see where the substance was located prior to being picked up.

Madasyn Czebiniak is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Madasyn at 724-226-4702, mczebiniak@tribweb.com or via Twitter @maddyczebstrib.