Evacuees Near Chester County Chemical Plant Fire Return To Homes
WEST CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) - Hundreds of West Chester (Chester County) residents wereevacuated for hours today because of a nearby chemical fire.
The fire started just after 10:30 AM at the Johnson Matthey specialty metals and chemical plant, on King Road.
Authorities say a trailer containing hydrogen cylinders (photo) caught fire. It took crews more than two hours to get the blaze under control.
At least one person was hurt, and was taken to Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
County emergency officials say the company that owned the trailer asked them to evacuate homes near the plant along King and Ravine Roads, Glen Loch Way, and Lewis Lane. About 330 residents were asked to go to the East Whiteland fire station, on Planebrook Road in Frazer, where the American Red Cross was assisting them.
Authorities say the evacuations were being done as a precaution and there was no immediate danger.
An emergency response team was headed to the chemical plant for clean-up and investigation.
Residents were allowed to return to their homes by midafternoon.
Reported by Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio 1060
