Hazmat Incident Shuts Down State Route 92

Multi-Agency Emergency Response Safely Secures Scene Near Highway 101

San Mateo, CA – Emergency crews from across San Mateo County responded to a hazmat incident that prompted closure of eastbound State Route 92 at the Highway 101 interchange, and a temporary shelter in place was in effect for those in the immediate area.

A vehicle leaking a hazardous material was first reported to 911 around 11:07 a.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023, and emergency personnel arrived quickly to secure the scene and closed eastbound SR92 to traffic. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, the cause of which is still being investigated.

San Mateo County Public Health officials confirmed the substance was sodium bisulfite, which is a lowrisk corrosive used as a cleaning product. Anyone who drove through the hazardous spill and who is concerned they may have it on their vehicle, is advised to avoid touching it and to thoroughly wash their vehicle.

Traffic in the area was expected to remain impacted at least through the evening commute hours.

Nearly 100 emergency personnel responded to assist from the California Highway Patrol, San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, City of San Mateo Police, San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management, San Mateo County Public Health, and Caltrans.

Once a perimeter was set up and eastbound SR 92 was shut down, drones were used to evaluate the scene and specially-trained hazmat teams were sent in. Clean up of the scene was expected to take several hours and several local streets were also closed.

A child care program at a nearby school opted to voluntarily evacuate to another campus and all of the children were safely reunited with their parents.

Thanks to the quick multi-agency response and close coordination, the incident was safely contained and no further exposure occurred. The shelter in place was lifted around 3 p.m.

Media inquiries can be sent to San Mateo Consolidated Fire Deputy Chief Robert Marshall 650-350- 0602. #