ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the chemical spill at a plant in Atchison, Kansas, (all times local):
5:20 p.m.
At least 85 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. About 18 others sought care at a hospital in nearby St. Joseph, Missouri.
MGP produces premium distilled spirits. It employs about 300 people at the Atchison plant, about 50 miles from Kansas City.
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.
___
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.
—
ATCHINSON COUNTY –Eighteen people including five city of Atchison employees are being treated for respiratory discomfort from Friday morning’s chemical spill at MGP Ingredients factory in downtown Atchison, according to City Manager Trey Cocking.
Just after 8a.m., several chemicals were inadvertently mixed and a large gas plume developed over the community,” he said during a morning news conference on social media.
The plume moved northwest of the community and was being monitored by the Kansas Highway Patrol, according to Cocking.
The Kansas Dept. of Transportation has closed U.S. Highways 59 and 73 and Kansas Highway 7 until further notification.
Benedictine College and Atchison Public Schools were evacuated and children were being transported to Walmart and Maur Hill Mount Academy. Students at Maur Hill are sheltering in place.
Residents were asked to avoid the area, to shelter in place or to seek shelter at the Atchison Event Center, Walmart, or South of town, according to a social media report from the city.
Others were asked to stay out of town.
Area hospitals were also placed on alert.
MGP is a leading supplier of premium-distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, according to the company web site. MGP is also a producer of alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced.
————
ATCHINSON COUNTY – First responders were on the scene of a chemical spill Friday morning at MGP Ingredients between 10th and 14th Street, south of Main Street in Atchison, Kansas.
The plume was reported moving north of the area, according to Atchison County Emergency Management.
Residents were asked to avoid the area, to shelter in place or to seek shelter at the Atchison Event Center, Walmart, or South of town, according to a social media report from the city.
Benedictine College and Atchison Public Schools were evacuated and children were being transported to Walmart and Maur Hill Mount Academy. Students at Maur Hill are sheltering in place.
ALERT: There has been an incident at MGP. Until further notice, close all your windows, turn off your air and furnaces, and stay indoors.
— City of Atchison (@CityofAtchison) October 21, 2016
Others were asked to stay out of town.
Area hospitals were also placed on alert.
MGP is a leading supplier of premium-distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, according to the company web site. MGP is also a producer of alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced.