South Plainfield, N.J. — A leaking trailer suspected of carrying nitric acid forced two South Plainfield police officers and two Jimmy’s Trucking employees onto stretchers and into a local hospital on the evening of September 10, 2026.

The incident underscores the hidden dangers that freight haulers face when transporting hazardous chemicals. Nitric acid, a highly corrosive liquid used in industrial processes, is classified as a hazardous material under FMCSA regulations, meaning carriers must follow strict packaging, routing, and emergency‑response protocols.

South Plainfield police reported that emergency crews arrived at Jimmy’s Trucking on South Avenue at about 6:45 p.m. after a trailer began spewing smoke and a pungent odor. State, county and local responders sealed off the area, evacuated the warehouse and ordered nearby residents to remain indoors until the leak was contained. While the exact cause of the spill remains under investigation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that nitric acid vapors can irritate eyes, skin and respiratory passages and may lead to delayed pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, bronchitis and even dental erosion.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers who haul hazardous loads must be prepared for incidents like this, because a single spill can shut down a terminal and trigger a cascade of route diversions. Owner‑operators should review their emergency‑response plans and verify that their cargo‑securement equipment meets FMCSA standards. Fleet managers are likely to scrutinize driver training records for HAZMAT endorsement compliance and may temporarily reroute OTR truck driver assignments to avoid the South Plainfield corridor until air quality tests clear the zone. The incident also serves as a reminder that any unexpected release can result in medical evaluation, even when exposure appears minimal.

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