The following information was provided by the
Virginia Office of Radiological Health via email:
At approximately 0730 EST on 2/06/24, VA Office of Radiological Health was notified by phone of a traffic incident involving a portable nuclear gauge. This was reported by the Assistant Chief of the Spotsylvania County Hazmat, the on-scene incident command, who had secured the scene and gauge. Earlier this morning (exact time unknown at this point), a Troxler gauge Model 3440 Plus, in its transportation box, containing an 8 mCi Cs-137 source, reportedly fell from a truck, presumably unknown to the driver, and was struck by a tractor trailer truck and possibly other vehicles. This occurred at or near the intersection of Plank Road and Eley Ford Road in Spotsylvania, VA. There was damage to the transport box and plastic housing of the gauge. VA Department of Emergency Management Division 7 arrived on scene and conducted radiation surveys. Per the Assistant Chief of the Spotsylvania County Hazmat, there were no readings above background indicating the source was most likely still in its shielded position; so, no radiation exposures occurred. He also reported there had been no injuries to any individuals during the incident, only vehicle damage. The licensee/owner of the gauge was contacted, and they retrieved the gauge.
The licensee contacted the VA Office of Radiological Health at 0830 EST indicating they were en route to acquire the gauge. The licensee later confirmed the damaged gauge was secure at the storage location, the source was in the shielded position, and all survey readings were at background. The licensee indicated that the gauge electronics were damaged, and it will be sent to the manufacture for evaluation.
The Radioactive Materials Program will follow up with an investigation.
Virginia Event Report ID: VA240001