A member of the hazardous materials response team assists in cleaning up a chemical spill at Starkist Foods in Mira Loma that injured 16 people. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Angel Jennings
Sixteen people, including a firefighter, were injured Thursday in a chemical spill at an Eastvale food distribution center, authorities said.
Cal Fire/Riverside County firefighters received a call at 2:48 p.m. of hazardous material waste at Starkist Foods in the 12000 block of Philadelphia Avenue. When firefighters arrived, they discovered about 40 gallons of an unknown chemical overturned inside the warehouse.
All 16 people suffered inhalation injuries and were taken to hospitals.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department has closed Philadelphia Avenue between South Milliken Avenue and Vintage Avenue.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the spill.