A leak of liquid chlorine inside the Axiall Natrium chemical facility in the US state of West Virginia has forced the plant to shut down as well as seven workers to get treated for their injuries, according to the company’s statement, Sputnik International reported.
"At approximately 8:40 a.m. [01:40 GMT] on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, a rail tanker car loaded with liquid chlorine developed a leak inside the Axiall Natrium chemical facility, which is located in Marshall County near Proctor, W.Va… The Natrium plant was evacuated and is currently shut down," the statement published Saturday read.
Following the leak, which has since been stopped, state authorities evacuated several communities in Ohio and West Virginia as well as closed road and river traffic due to a cloud of gas, according to the statement.
At least seven people were treated in relation to the leak, with two plant workers being transported to a nearby hospital.