The Region : 29 Stricken by Fumes in Chemical Spill

Twenty-nine people were injured, three seriously, after inhaling fumes from a toxic chemical accidentally spilled at a truck warehouse in Fontana. The accident occurred when a forklift driver at the Ryder/Pacific Intermountain Express trucking company warehouse accidentally punctured a 50-gallon drum of toxic resin while trying to lift it, said Central Valley Fire Department Inspector Jim Rodgers. The fumes affected people in the vicinity. They were all taken by ambulance to local hospitals for treatment. Of the three listed in serious condition, all had other health problems, Rodgers said. The others were treated and released. The Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team soaked up the resin with a Styrofoam substance.