Five employees injured during toxic chemical spill in Mooresville, North Carolina

Five employees were injured after a chemical spill at a manufacturing facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, Wednesday on 8 July.

According to Mooresville Fire-Rescue per QueenCityNews, crews responded around 09:30 to Liburdi Dimetrics and Turbine Services on Charlotte Highway for what was initially reported as a medical call.

Mooresville Fire-Rescue said they evacuated the building, which typically has about 60 employees, and helped workers who had been exposed to the chemicals. Fire officials said hydrochloric acid was being mixed with hydrogen peroxide, creating chlorine gas that can cause breathing problems when released.

Five employees were treated after coming into direct contact with the chemicals, with firefighters decontaminating the workers by removing clothing and washing the chemicals from their skin. One person was taken to a nearby hospital in Mooresville for additional treatment.

Firefighters cleaned up the spill, ventilated the buildin, and said a private environmental cleanup company was on its way to ensure the site was safe. The scene has since been cleared and turned back over to the property owner, who will decide when the facility reopens.

Mooresville Fire-Rescue said the spill was contained to the property and there was never a threat to the public. Officials also said the facility has no history of similar chemical spills and that the company responded appropriately throughout the emergency.