NNSA NEWS RELEASE

The Department of Energy Los Alamos Field Office issued the following news release at 6:42 p.m. Monday evening:

“At 11:18 a.m. Monday Aug. 19, 2024, a flatbed tractor trailer truck carrying demolition debris from Los Alamos National Laboratory overturned on the southbound lanes on U.S. 84/285 north of Santa Fe. Our first concern is for the driver of the truck and the safety of the other drivers on the highway, and we are grateful for the response by emergency personnel. There is no danger to the public. 

“The truck, which is operated by a lab contractor, was traveling to Waste Control Specialists in Andrews, Texas, carrying four Super Sacks of demolition debris from the Laboratory’s Technical Area 52. Super Sacks are large flexible containers commonly used for transporting and storing bulk materials. None of the bags were breached. Like all waste that leaves the Lab site, the debris was tested for contamination prior to departing Laboratory property. Tests determined that the debris did not contain radioactive materials above background.

“As a precaution, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)  deployed members of the Radiological Assistance Program (RAP), the Nuclear Emergency Support Team’s first responder organization for assessing incidents that may involve radiological materials, to the incident scene to advise local authorities on the appropriate next steps.

“This is a developing situation. For questions or updates, please email NNSANews@nnsa.doe.gov.“