Friday, July 8, 2016

Chemical spill forces evacuation of workers at the Lyondellbasell chemical plant in Edison, New Jersey






Hazmat crews were called to the plant on Meadow Road




A scare in Middlesex County after an apparent chemical spill forced an evacuation.

Hazmat crews have left the scene of the spill reported Thursday morning at the Lyondellbasell chemical plant in Edison.

People working in the building on Meadow Road were evacuated after the incident was called in around 5:30 a.m.

Rising smoke was seen emanating from one area of the plant. As a precaution, firefighters and police had the entrance into the industrial area closed for just over an hour.

It is unclear what chemical was leaking but according to the company's website, the plant produces chemicals used to make plastic resin. The plant occupies 25 acres of a 100-acre property along the Raritan River.

Officials say it was isolated to a single area on the property.

No other evacuations were called, but some of the workers at nearby businesses say they had to stop all operations until the "all clear" was given just before 7 a.m.