On Saturday, October 11, a tank at the Indspec Chemical Corp. plant in Petrolia, Pennyslvania overflowed releasing a toxic liquid. The chemical, olueum, is similar in composition to sulfuric acid. It evaporated into a toxic cloud that spread through the town. Approximately 2,500 people fled Petrolia. Three people were injured from the chemical.
Oleum has the potential to cause serious respiratory damage and skin burns. Residents living within two miles of the accident were warned of the potential dangers and urged to evacuate. Those who left Petrolia went to shelters in neighboring towns. It is still uncertain when they will be able to return home.
Currently, there are no reports of injuries at the chemical plant. The crew on duty did an excellent job of containing the spill. Saturday night, the chemical cloud could be seen moving westward through the town. All residents who chose not to evacuate were told to stay in their houses, shutting all doors, windows, and vents. Any air systems pulling in air from outside were expressly ordered to be shut off, and fires were forbidden in fireplaces.
It is still uncertain whether or not the three injured people will file a personal injury lawsuit against the chemical plant.
If you have been the victim of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please contact the law offices of Pomerantz Perlburger & Lewis LLP today to schedule an initial consultation.
