Foresthill Bridge in Placer County closed after deputy finds hazardous chemical in vehicle

Michael McGough, Rosalio Ahumada
·2 min read

The Foresthill Bridge near Auburn was closed in both directions for a few hours Thursday afternoon after a potentially hazardous chemical was found in a vehicle, authorities said.

Shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday, the Cal Fire Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit announced that authorities determined the chemical found in a vehicle near the bridge was hydrogen sulfide.

Cal Fire officials said the vehicle was decontaminated, along with all the equipment and crews who responded to the incident. Firefighters were expected to remain at the scene for another hour.

Hydrogen sulfide, also known as H2S, sewer gas, swamp gas, stink damp and sour damp, is a colorless gas known for its pungent “rotten egg” odor at low concentrations, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The gas is extremely flammable and highly toxic.

The road was reopened in both directions by 5:20 p.m., said Officer David Martinez, a spokesman for CHP Auburn.

Martinez said a Placer County sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road, approached the vehicle to investigate and started smelling an odor coming from the vehicle. He said the deputy radioed the information to dispatchers and took himself to a hospital for a medical examination.

CBS13 reported that sheriff’s officials confirmed the deputy, who spotted a note on the vehicle before seeking treatment, was hospitalized and was alert and talking.

The Foresthill Bridge is the highest bridge in California and fourth-highest in the U.S.

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