The Latest: 67 seek medical care after Kansas chemical spill
The Latest on the chemical spill at a plant in Atchison, Kansas, (all times local):
5:05 p.m.
More than 60 people sought medical attention after a chemical spill at a distilling plant that released a noxious cloud in northeast Kansas.
The Kansas Department of Emergency Management says the cloud occurred Friday morning when two chemicals were mistakenly combined at the MGP Ingredients plant in Atchison. The department says people were allowed back into their homes after the cloud dissipated a few hours later.
Atchison Hospital spokeswoman T.C. Roberts says about 67 people sought care at the hospital's emergency room for upper respiratory discomfort. Roberts says one person remained in intensive care Friday afternoon and two others were admitted to the hospital. She says most of the others were treated and released.
MGP produces premium distilled spirits. It employs about 300 people at the Atchison plant, about 50 miles from Kansas City.
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1:40 p.m.
More than 50 people sought medical attention after a chemical spill at a distilling plant that released a noxious cloud in northeast Kansas.
The Kansas Department of Emergency Management says the cloud occurred Friday morning when two chemicals were mistakenly combined at the MGP Ingredients plant in Atchison. The department says people were allowed back into their homes after the cloud dissipated a few hours later.
Atchison Hospital spokeswoman T.C. Roberts says 52 people sought care at the hospital's emergency room for upper respiratory discomfort. Roberts says one person remained in intensive care Friday afternoon. She says some were treated and released but did not know how many.
MGP produces premium distilled spirits. It employs about 300 people at the Atchison plant, about 50 miles from Kansas City.
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11:50 a.m.
Authorities say it's safe for residents to return home and for students to go back to school now that a noxious cloud that formed over their northeast Kansas community has dissipated.
The Kansas Department of Emergency Management says the cloud occurred Friday morning when sulfuric acid and sodium hypochlorite were mistakenly combined at the MGP Ingredients plant in Atchison.
Emergency officials ordered the evacuation of schools and homes near the plant earlier Friday, but lifted the evacuation order when the chemical cloud cleared later in the morning.
MGP produces premium distilled spirits and employs about 300 people at the plant in Atchison, 50 miles northwest of Kansas City.
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10:35 a.m.
Authorities say a chemical plant spill has caused a noxious cloud to form over a northeastern Kansas community, prompting the evacuation of a school and the factory.
The spill occurred Friday morning at the MGP Ingredients plant in Atchison, 50 miles northwest of Kansas City.
Atchison County Emergency Manager Wes Lanter says "smoke" coming from the plant poses a breathing threat.
The St. Joseph News Press reports (http://j.mp/2eOP1do ) that one school was evacuated and several canceled classes or kept students and staff inside. The Kansas Dept. of Transportation has closed U.S. Highways 59 and 73 and Kansas Highway 7 until further notification.
City Clerk Debbie Clem says she doesn't know which chemical spilled.
MGP produces premium distilled spirits, wheat proteins and starches. The company's website says the plant employs about 300 people.