Thursday, June 25, 2015

Hydrogen cyanide chemical fire reported at CMC Recycling, a Waco, Texas recycling business; 10 people transported to hospitals




JUNE 25, 2015
 
WACO, Texas (AP)

Police say about 10 workers at a Central Texas metal recycling plant have been transported to hospitals, as a precaution, following a chemical fire.

Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton says the public was not at risk in Thursday morning's fire and the workers were being examined.

He says CMC Recycling of Waco has been evacuated and the air quality outside the immediate area was safe.  The location of the recycling business is 1400 League Avenue, Waco, Texas 76704

Swanton says a work crew reported a fire inside a steel tank being cut into scrap. Swanton says the tank once held hydrogen cyanide.

Hazardous materials experts were called to the scene. Swanton says the small amount of fumes safely dissipated.

Hydrogen cyanide, which can affect breathing, is used for electroplating, mining and production of pesticides. It's also a chemical warfare agent.