News | November 5, 2024

The HazMat Guys

• UPDATE: Dodge County Deputy treated for exposure after hazmat spill on Hwy 56
• The news story reports on an incident involving a hazardous materials spill near Hayfield, Minnesota. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) responded to a situation where anhydrous fumes were detected crossing Highway 56. The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. on a Wednesday evening.In response to the leak, deputies blocked off Highway 56 while a hazmat response team from Olmsted County worked to contain the leak. Due to the size of the leak, law enforcement also checked on neighboring residents to ensure their safety. The cleanup operation was successful, and the road was reopened around 5 a.m. the following morning.
• During the incident, a DCSO deputy who was first on the scene reported feeling unwell and was subsequently transported to Mayo Clinic Saint Marys for treatment of anhydrous exposure. The deputy was treated and released around 4 a.m. and is reportedly doing well.
• The Minnesota State Patrol, Hayfield Fire Department, Brownsdale Fire Department, Blooming Prairie Fire Department, and the Olmsted hazmat response team all assisted in the containment and cleanup efforts.
• The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) had closed both lanes of Highway 56 between County Road 1 and Highway 30 due to the spill, which was caused by an anhydrous tanker leak. A detour was put in place and was expected to last through the early morning hours.
• The story highlights the coordinated response by multiple agencies to manage the hazardous materials spill and ensure public safety. The road closure and subsequent reopening were part of the efforts to address the situation effectively.
• Hazmat call at Seminole County early voting site prompts investigation
• The news story reports on a hazmat situation that occurred at an early voting site in Seminole County, Florida. The incident took place at the Seminole County Public Library located at 215 N. Oxford Rd in Casselberry. Hazmat teams were called to the scene after reports of a suspicious odor were detected around a ballot box.
• Upon receiving the report, the Seminole County Fire Department responded promptly, surrounding the library with fire trucks and specialized hazmat vehicles. The initial concern was that the odor might indicate the presence of hazardous chemical substances.
• However, after a thorough investigation, officials found no evidence of any chemical hazards. As a precautionary measure, all 14 poll workers present at the site were evaluated for any health issues. One poll worker was transported to the hospital, but this was due to hypertension and not related to any hazardous substances.
• The situation was ultimately deemed a false alarm, but the response highlights the caution exercised during the election period to ensure the safety of both poll workers and voters. The incident was covered live by WESH News, with reporter Hayley Crombleholme providing updates from the scene.
• At least 3 people sickened in hazmat incident outside apartment building in downtown LA - ABC7 Los Angeles
• The news story reports on a hazardous materials incident that occurred in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, October 31, 2024. At least three people became ill due to exposure to a hazardous substance. The incident took place in the 300 block of East Second Street, where firefighter-paramedics responded shortly after 11:30 a.m.
• The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) stated that several individuals reported feeling ill both inside and outside an apartment building, following potential exposure to an unspecified substance on a sidewalk. The substance was later identified as cocaine laced with fentanyl.
• The incident occurred during a police operation, where officers were involved in some activity that led to the spilling of a white powder on the sidewalk outside an apartment in Little Tokyo. Two civilians were taken to the hospital, but their conditions were not immediately known.
• The LAFD's Hazardous Materials Task Force was called to the scene as part of standard protocol. A spokesperson from the Alhambra Police Department mentioned that officers were executing a search warrant at the location, but no further details about the warrant were provided, and it was unclear if it was related to the hazmat incident.
• As a result of the incident, Second Street was closed between Central Avenue and San Pedro Street, with no estimated time for reopening. Drivers were advised to use alternative routes.
• The cause of the illnesses was still under investigation at the time of the report. The news story also offers a subscription to ABC7's breaking news newsletter for real-time updates.
• Missouri battery plant fire, explosion in Fredericktown | ksdk.com
• A fire broke out at the Critical Mineral Recovery facility, a battery recycling plant located just outside Fredericktown, Missouri, on Wednesday afternoon. The facility, which processes lithium-ion batteries, experienced a significant fire that led to the evacuation of nearby residents due to concerns about smoke and potential explosions from the batteries.
• The fire was reported at 1:37 p.m., and by Wednesday evening, it was mostly contained. The facility's fire suppression systems and an emergency water vessel were insufficient, necessitating additional water supplies from the county and city. The fire prompted the closure of Route 72 to allow firetrucks to shuttle water to the site.
• Madison County's emergency services issued an evacuation order for residents north and northwest of Village Creek Road and Madison 217, advising those within the smoke plume to shelter indoors. The city of Fredericktown was not directly affected by the evacuation order.
• The facility's parent company, Interco, confirmed that all 75 employees were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources dispatched a crew to monitor air quality and potential environmental impacts.
• Local agencies, including at least 25 fire departments, assisted in controlling the fire. Fredericktown Mayor Travis Parker noted the facility's importance to the community, as it employed many local residents. The fire caused extensive damage, and it is uncertain if any part of the facility can be salvaged.
• Evacuees, including Scott Bates and his family, sought refuge at Silvermines General Baptist Church and the Madison County Health Department. The Fredericktown R-1 school district kept students indoors and allowed parents to pick up their children without penalty.
• The incident highlights the challenges of managing fires involving lithium-ion batteries, which can produce toxic gases and pose explosion risks. Despite the loss of the facility, the community expressed relief that there were no injuries. The fire's impact on the local economy and community is significant, given the facility's role as a major employer in the area.