Traffic on the N7 was severely disrupted yesterday after five barrels of a corrosive liquid, Trilon A, fell from a truck on the Dublin side of Kildare town. One of the 250-litre drums burst on impact.
Officials from the Health and Safety Authority, Kildare County Council, the Garda and fire brigade were called to the scene.
Trilon A is highly corrosive in its undiluted state but is non-flammable, according to the HSA. Handlers are advised to "keep upwind and wear personal protection". The consignment was understood to have been diluted.
Mr Albert Johnston, from the haulage firm Johnston Bros, said 60 litres leaked from the burst drum and that the liquid was "mildly corrosive, similar to Domestos".