BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont Police responded to an accident and chemical spill in the north end of the city.
The accident and HAZMAT spill happened near Eastex Freeway / US 69 southbound and Tram Road, Beaumont Police said in a tweet. Police diverted traffic off the highway at Tram Road.
Texas DPS spokesperson Stephanie Davis said a 2008 Volkswagen sedan was traveling southbound on the highway when the car malfunctioned. The driver, 36-year-old Yuniel Carbonell-Cleger of Port Arthur, veered off the road, striking a natural gas pipeline. The pipeline ruptured, causing a leak.
The driver was not injured. The passenger, 35-year-old Jaydar Medina also from Port Arthur, was transported to the Medical Center of Southeast Texas with minor injuries.
Crews from Center Point Energy came to the scene to secure the pipeline, Davis said.
Beaumont Police initially said Eastex Freeway will be shutdown for several hours while HAZMAT crews clean up the spill.
Police asked drivers to expect delays and be careful driving in the area.
TxDOT said US 69 reopened around 11 a.m.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive confirmed information.