CONCORD, NC — A Concord plant has been evacuated after a chemical reaction inside the building.
Firefighters and police were called to the Star America Plant on Cabarrus Ave West around 10:40 a.m. A city spokesman says that this situation requires a “careful response” in order to prevent a possible explosion.
The chemicals have not been identified. There have been no reports of injuries.
Check back for updates as this story develops.
UPDATE: West Cabarrus Avenue in Concord remains blocked as firefighters work to control a chemical reaction at the Star America Plant.
According to the Concord Fire Department, a drum of sodium hydrosulfite, which when combined with water becomes sulfuric acid, became unstable forcing the plant to be evacuated. No injuries have been reported. Two employees were taken to a local hospital as a precaution.
A nearby home was also evacuated. Another 100 nearby residents were told to shelter in place via a reverse 9-1-1 call.
The road is expected to be blocked another couple of hours.
Star America is a hosiery finishing plant, which uses various dyes and chemicals in that process. NC OSHA says it has opened an inspection at the plant.
