400 Evacuated After Toxic Spill at Plant
The spill of a toxic chemical at a plant in Lynwood on Sunday forced the evacuation of about 400 people from homes and a crowded flea market, authorities said.
No injuries were reported. Hazardous material crews cleaned up the substance, Oleum, and residents were allowed to return to their homes.
Lynwood Fire Department Capt. Craig Ibanez said a 55-gallon steel drum of Oleum at the Flask Chemical plant was tipped over, possibly by vandals, and that a vapor cloud formed. Because of 20-m.p.h. winds, authorities evacuated a 300-square-foot area “to play it safe,” Ibanez said.
Oleum is an oily, corrosive liquid used in the manufacture of explosives and dyes.
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