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Chemical spill in Pennsylvania town forces 2,500 to flee
At least 2,500 residents were forced to evacuate after a toxic spill in a chemical plant in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
- Agencies
- Published: 10:50 October 12, 2008
Petrolia: At least 2,500 residents were forced to evacuate after a toxic spill in a chemical plant in western Pennsylvania on Saturday.
A corrosive liquid overflowed from a tank at a chemical plant, evaporating into a dense toxic cloud which moved close to the ground in parts of Petrolia, Pennsylvania.
The liquid known as oleum, which resembles sulphuric acid, leaked from a tank at the Indspec Chemical Corp. plant in Petrolia, said plant manager Dave Dorko.
Authorities evacuated 2,500 people within the spill's range and took them to shelters in nearby towns.
Three residents were taken to the Butler Memorial Hospital, officials said.
The state Department of Environmental Protection said authorities were concerned about the potential for respiratory damage and skin burns.
Red Cross officials said they expected to shelter only 50 to 100 people overnight.
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