Cleanup Efforts Underway in West Phoenix Following Asphalt Spill

News Summary

West Phoenix is responding to a significant incident involving an asphalt sealant spill caused by Cactus Asphalt on 91st Avenue and Camelback Road. A hose failure resulted in a large spray affecting residential properties and vehicles. Cleanup is ongoing, with community members showing understanding towards the workers. The incident emphasizes the importance of equipment maintenance and safety protocols in construction.

West Phoenix is undergoing cleanup efforts following an accident involving Cactus Asphalt, which spilled a sealing substance across a neighborhood. The incident took place on Monday afternoon near the intersection of 91st Avenue and Camelback Road, where the unexpected mishap has led to significant property damage and community concern.

A hose failure during the sealant application process resulted in a geyser-like spray of PMM sealant, a tar-like substance typically used for resurfacing roads. Eyewitnesses reported that the sealant shot as high as 30 feet in the air, impacting two residential properties, including their landscaping, vehicles, and stucco walls. The extent of the damage was exemplified by two white cars that were completely coated by the sealant.

Footage of the event quickly gained attention online, with over two million views. The video captured the moment the hose burst, leading to a loud pop before a worker rushed to shut off the valve and halt the flow of sealant. Residents nearby observed the chaotic aftermath, noting the visible distress among the workers as they faced the consequences of the equipment failure.

Cleanup and restoration efforts have been swift. Markham Construction, the company that contracted Cactus Asphalt for the project, confirmed that the mishap stemmed from malfunctioning equipment. Though there were considerable damages, they highlighted the professionalism and rapid response of Cactus Asphalt in addressing the issue. Since the incident, all affected cars have been cleaned, the landscaping has been replaced, sidewalks and driveways have undergone pressure washing, and affected homes are being repainted.

Community members have expressed their understanding towards the workers involved, recognizing that accidents can happen and that no one was at fault. A local resident remarked on the effective cleanup process, noting that most of the tar came off the surfaces it affected. This positive outcome is largely attributable to the quick thinking of the crew, who worked diligently to minimize the disaster.

The local neighborhood has displayed a level of empathy towards both the homeowners affected and the workers involved, recognizing the unfortunate circumstances of the event. The combination of a quick response from the contracting company, along with understanding from residents, has eased the tension that could have escalated from the situation.

Despite attempts to obtain further comments from Cactus Asphalt about the incident and their subsequent actions, no response has been forthcoming as of yet. Community members remain hopeful that such a mishap will not deter the company from maintaining quality services in the future.

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards in construction work and underlines the importance of equipment maintenance. As the community continues to recuperate from the event, there is an emphasis on the need for safety protocols to prevent similar accidents going forward, ensuring that both residents and workers remain protected.

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Additional Resources

• 12 News: Homes and Cars Covered in Sticky Sealant
• Wikipedia: Construction Accident
• 12 News: Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run
• Google Search: Construction Safety Protocols
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
• Google News: Construction Mishap