Highway 59 reopens in Cleveland after HazMat situation prompted closure, evacuations

CLEVELAND, TX (KTRK) -- Authorities have cleared the scene of a HazMat situation along the Eastex Freeway in Liberty County following a chemical situation on a delivery truck.

According to the Liberty County Sheriff's Office, the driver of a FedEx truck carrying organic peroxide type D, a chemical that explodes when it gets too hot, realized the refrigeration system went out. The driver pulled off to the side of the road at 59 northbound just south of Washington Avenue.

Officials closed the freeway in both directions and ordered the evacuation of nearby neighborhoods as a precaution.

HazMat crews responded and contained the situation.

The scene was cleared about an hour later.