Hundreds in Indiana Flee Homes After 2 Gasoline Spills
Hundreds of residents were homeless Friday after two gasoline spills that sent 28 people overcome by gas fumes to the hospital for treatment.
Between 800 and 1,200 people were evacuated Thursday after the accidents at a storage area for Phillips Pipeline Co., a subsidiary of Phillips Petroleum, officials said.
Foam was spread over the spill to lessen the risk of fire and reduce fumes, fire officials said.
Investigators said a fuel storage tank holding 76,000 gallons of gasoline ruptured Thursday afternoon. The initial spill was contained by a dike, but the fuel either overflowed or broke through Thursday night as authorities prepared to allow residents to return home.
Officials said at least 3,500 gallons of fuel escaped.
Many of the evacuees found lodging with friends and relatives, but about 100 were housed in the old East Chicago Washington High School building.
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