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Chemical cloud in Atchison, Kansas forces evacuations.
Emergency services alerted residents of Atchison, Kansas there has been a chemical spill.
Parts of the town are covered in a cloud of gas and residents report chlorine-like smell. 18 people were treated for respiratory discomfort but no injuries.
Thousands were evacuated from a high school, elementary school and a college. "If you are not in Atchison, please stay out of town," Atchison County Emergency Management said on Facebook.
Headquartered in Atchison, MGP describes itself as a company where
distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Authorities have not released details about what kind of chemical leaked.
Residents of Atchison who live north of the plant are being told to stay inside with their doors and windows shut, according to the
Kansas City Star. Reporters on the scene reported a thick fog and chlorine-like smell in the area. Live footage from KMBC shows a
fire truck hosing down a large silo at the plant.
According to the Atchison City Manager's Office,
two chemicals were inadvertently mixed together which caused a reaction. No word yet on what two chemicals were mixed together. "We don't know what chemicals were mixed.
All injuires are minor," said Trey Cocking, Atchison City Manager.
© Kansas City Star
Projected path of toxic chemical cloud.
Comment: Students in the toxic area were evacuated to Wal-Mart.