Hazmat crews respond to chemical reaction that evacuates Vandalia plant

UPDATE @ 8:15 p.m.

A regional hazardous materials crew responded Thursday evening to the DRT Medical plant in Vandalia.

The Vandalia Fire Division was dispatched around 6:20 p.m. for a report of a fire at the business, 4201 Little York Road.

“What appeared to be a 55-gallon drum of a chemical in the rear of the building had a reaction,” Fire Chief Chad Follick said.

The drum was smoking but there was no active fire, he said.

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“The company did a great job of isolating and getting people out of the building properly,” Follick said.

No one was injured or ill. Workers were sent home, and the next shift has been called off as well, the chief said.

Now, crews are monitoring the drum to make sure it is safe to bring in a company for cleanup.

Numerous fire trucks from nearby agencies assisted Vandalia, and an RTA bus was brought in for the workers so they could stay warm as they waited.

FIRST REPORT

Hazmat is responding to a structure fire reported around 6:20 p.m. at NN Medical Device Operations Vandalia Plant at 4201 Little York Road.

The Vandalia Fire Division was initially called to the scene.

Initial reports indicate that barrels were smoking and giving off a chemical smell.