ATCHISON, Kan. – At least 34 people have been hospitalized after a major chemical spill at MGP Ingredients Inc. in Atchison, Kansas.
PHOTOS: Major chemical spill reported in Atchison, Kansas
According to the Atchison City Manager’s Office, sodium hydrochlorite and sulfuric acid were inadvertently mixed together in the wrong holding tank Friday morning, which caused a reaction.
The leak started around 8:15 a.m. The city says the fog has lifted and the situation is improving.
Chemists and several agencies are on scene monitoring the impact of the chemical mixture.
The impact of the chemical plume on Atchison, Kansas
Officials say at least 34 people have been treated at the hospital for ‘respiratory discomfort’ and their injuries have been reported as minor. Five of them are city employees.
The city says the air is now safe to breathe.
Around 11,000 Atchison residents were urged to take shelter inside for nearly two hours.
41 Action News spoke to Dr. Bill Barkman, a pulmonologist at the University of Kansas Medical Hospital, about the chemical spill. Watch the interview in the video player below.
Atchison County officials are closing and evacuating the county courthouse. Classes at Benedictine College were canceled for the day.
Massive clouds of smog appeared throughout the city for nearly 90 minutes.
Facebook issued a safety check for those affected by the chemical plume.
Some roads were closed for almost an hour, but traffic has reopened.
Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri and other area hospitals will be on standby if additional medical help is needed.
The National Weather Service released a map showing where the chemicals will spread through 11:30 a.m.
Dangerous chemical spill in Atchison, KS. Here is where our model projects chemicals will spread through 11:30pic.twitter.com/i6544G3n3k
— NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) October 21, 2016
The history of MGP Ingredients Inc.
MGP experienced an explosion at the plant back in February 2016.
MGP processes wheat flour into food ingredients, such as wheat proteins used by other manufacturers. By-products from this process are mixed with corn and made into a variety of alcohol additives used in distilled beverages, food and pharmaceuticals.
The company also makes plant-based polymers for petroleum-based plastics, such as disposable cutlery and CD cases.
MGP Ingredients is a supplier of premium spirits, including gin, bourbon and rye whiskeys.
This story is developing. Stay with 41 Action News for the latest.