Tank of Toxic Materials Explodes Into Flames
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A late-morning explosion in a tank containing 8,000 gallons of highly toxic benzene mixed with hydrochloric acid rocked a Monsanto Chemical Corp. plant in Carson on Thursday, forcing the evacuation of 20 employees.
No injuries were reported. No damage estimate was available.
John Tabak, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said 54 firefighters, including two hazardous materials teams, and 10 fire engines were called to the scene in the 2100 block of East 223rd Street to battle the second-alarm blaze that followed the explosion.
Tabak said the fire, which started after the explosion at 11:42 a.m., was controlled about 45 minutes later by the use of foam.
The fire apparently occurred after the 20-foot-wide tank overheated, fire officials said.
The fire official said there was no spill of the benzene, a hydrocarbon used as a solvent in the making of lacquers, varnishes and dyes, among other products.
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