Tijuana’s Fire Department reported a chemical spill early Monday morning after crews were dispatched to a logistics facility where a nitric acid leak was detected.
The incident was reported at 4:40 a.m. at the Castores freight and parcel company, located at 11 Norte and 1 Poniente streets in the Ciudad Industrial area of the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood.
Firefighters determined that the spill originated from a cylinder believed to contain nearly 1,000 liters of nitric acid. According to officials, the container was accidentally punctured while workers attempted to move it with heavy equipment.
Twenty firefighters from the Hazardous Materials Division, along with department inspectors, remain on site. Fifteen employees were evacuated as a precaution.
Nitric acid is a highly corrosive, colorless mineral acid commonly used in the production of explosives, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers. It poses serious health risks, including severe skin burns and eye damage, requiring first responders to use specialized protective gear during the cleanup.
Municipal police officers also responded to secure the area.
