Chlorine leak forces 200+ to evacuate

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) - A chlorine leak at a North Attleboro metal refining company forced more than 200 people to evacuate Friday morning. The incident happened shortly before 10:30 a.m. at Metalor Refining Corp. on John L. Dietsch Blvd.

According to emergency officicals, two workers were in the process of changing a one ton chlorine bottle that was almost empty, when a hose fractured and released chlorine into the air.

The two workers who were changing the tank were wearing protective gear, so there were no injuries.

Metalor, and several nearby businesses were evacuated until the leak was contained. As of 11:45 a.m., everyone was back at work except Metalor employees, who officials say will probably be out for the day.

According to its website Metalor USA Refining Corp. is a Swiss company that deals with precious metals and advanced materials.

Chlorine gas can cause severe skin burns, and if in high enough concentration, can be deadly, according to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.