SPRINGFIELD — UPDATE @ 6:30 PM:
A chemical leak at a Springfield plant sent a man to the hospital, according to Springfield Fire Division Battalion Chief Jeremy Linn.
He said his department was dispatched to the Dole plant on Benjamin Drive for a hazmat situation at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday.
“I would say any leak of a chemical that is supposed to be contained would be considered severe. We took precautions. We made a level A entry, which is the highest level for a hazmat,” Linn said. “That was precautionary for our members.”
When crews showed up, the plant was already evacuating its 500 to 600 employees.
Linn said a contractor hit a line causing an anhydrous ammonia leak. Anhydrous ammonia, which is used for refrigeration, can cause skin burning.
A contractor went to the hospital as a precaution. He has already been released.
Linn said it took two and a half hours to stop the leak.
Linn said Dole will be releasing a statement. Calls from News Center 7 to the Springfield plant and the headquarters in California have not been returned.
INITIAL REPORT:
A chemical leak has been reported at the Dole plant on Benjamin Street this morning.
Initial emergency dispatch reports indicated the building was being evacuated.
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The incident was reported around 10:45 a.m.
Fire crews and a HAZMAT team have responded to the plant.
We’re working to learn more about this developing story, including what chemical may be involved.
Cox Media Group
