Indiana Acid Gas Explosion Injures 26

An explosion released a cloud of hydrochloric acid gas at an engine plant Thursday in southern Indiana, sending at least 26 people to a hospital, authorities said.

No one's life was in danger after the blast at the Jasper Engines & Transmissions plant, state police spokesman Sgt. Chad Dick said. More than 300 people evacuated the plant.

The gas was confined to the plant, Crawford County Sheriff Tim Wilkerson said.

At least 26 people were taken to Harrison County Hospital, authorities said. It was not clear how many might have gone to other hospitals, but about 31 complained of respiratory problems, Wilkerson said.

Harrison County Hospital did not immediately confirm how many patients it had from the explosion.

Workers were mixing chemicals when a cloud of hydrochloric acid gas was accidentally created, authorities said. Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive and is often used in metal and plastics work.

Exposure can irritate the eyes and skin and cause respiratory problems and dizziness. In extreme cases, death can occur.

Between 16 and 25 people were decontaminated at the scene, a process that involves changing clothes and washing, authorities said.

Some residents left the area when they learned of the accident but later returned, Wilkerson said.

A hazardous materials team was sent to the plant in Carefree, about 35 miles west of Louisville, Ky., Dick said.

Jasper Engines employs about 1,600 people in Jasper and Crawford County. The company refurbishes engines and transmissions.