100 Injured as Acid Spill Creates Cloud
A storage tank of hydrochloric acid sprang a leak Tuesday, then mixed with rain to create a toxic cloud that sent nearly 100 people to hospitals, critically injured one man and forced about 2,000 others to flee.
The storage tank of diluted hydrochloric acid, used to clean truck engine parts at a Gary car and truck wash, began leaking toxic fumes about 9 a.m., officials said.
Rain falling in the area reacted with the 42% acid solution, creating the toxic fumes.
About 1,000 people in a three-square-mile area were originally evacuated but authorities later ordered another 1,000 people to flee after the wind shifted.
At least 93 people, ranging in age from 3 to 73, were treated at three Gary hospitals for headaches, dizziness, nausea and hyperventilation. One man was in critical condition at Methodist Hospital, spokesman John Canright said.
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