Car Collides with Truck Carrying Caustic Soda on Route 219

A truck carrying caustic soda collided with a car early this morning closing Route 219 from Browntown Road to Warren Road. Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dan Burkhouse says the accident happened at just after 12:30 south of Custer City, and north of Browntown Road. The driver of the car had to be extricated by the fire department, but the truck driver got out on his own. They were both taken by ambulance to BRMC, but Burkhouse doesn't know the extent of their injuries. Burkhouse says none of the caustic soda spilled but precautions are being taken. The trucking company brought its own HAZMAT team to make sure there isn't any environmental damage. DEP is also on the scene. Tracy Carl of the McKean County 911 Center says residents in the area were evacuated as a precautionary measure while the caustic soda is being moved to another truck, and the first truck is being put upright. He said a small about of diesel fuel did spill. PennDOT expects Route 219 from Browntown Road to Warren Road to be closed until 2 o'clock this afternoon. A detour is in place with southbound traffic following Route 59 to Route 770 West and back to Route 219. Northbound traffic will follow Route 770 East to Route 59, then back to Route 219.