LONDON, Ky. (WKYT/Gray News) – Dairy plant workers in Kentucky had to be taken to the hospital after a chemical barrel explosion.
First responders said they were called to the Borden Dairy on Wednesday at about 7 a.m. when there was a report of an explosion and chemical release.
Officials said fire units quickly got control of the situation and were able to contain it once at the scene.
But four workers still had to be sent to the hospital.
Authorities said they had a variety of health-related issues due to the release of Hyperflex, which is an acid sanitizer. It contains phosphoric and nitric acid and can cause significant health effects.
“There were some chemical and vapor burns. We were also worried about the airway, but we made sure we had a mass decontamination response,” London Fire Department Battalion Chief Brandon Wagers said.
Officials said the workers who were hospitalized are expected to survive their injuries, with one of them suffering a broken leg.
The main structure of the dairy plant did not suffer any damage in the explosion.