UPDATE: 1:36 p.m.
Louisiana State Police tell us their LSP Emergency Services Unit responded to the leak at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Their initial investigation revealed a valve malfunction involving boron trifluoride, which caused the leak. The nearby area was evacuated as a precaution.
Hazardous materials crews successfully contained the leak, and all evacuation and shelter-in-place orders have since been lifted. There are no immediate threats to the area. A total of ten individuals were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Those individuals include three first responders, six employees of the affected business, and one employee from a nearby business. All reported injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.
Louisiana State Police is the lead investigating agency. This remains an active investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available. We thank all responding agencies for their assistance during this incident.
The Louisiana State Police Emergency Services Unit (ESU) reminds the public to avoid emergency scenes involving hazardous materials. Do not approach, bypass barriers, or ignore instructions from first responders. These incidents require strict scene control to ensure public safety and allow emergency personnel to operate effectively.
UPDATE: 11:30 a.m.
The six people who were transported to the hospital after the leak were listed in stable condition and being treated for skin and respiratory irritation, officials say.
Three are firefighters and three are employees of the company where the leak happened, police say.
UPDATE: 9:12 a.m.
Officials say there is no environmental danger to anyone now; there still is a heavy police presence as law enforcement checks with residents to see if anyone was exposed or injured and had not reported it.
Duson Police Chief Kip Judice says the all-clear has been given.
UPDATE: 8:50 a.m.
We're told the leak was at FIBA Technologies Inc.
As of now, three employees of that company and three firefighters are going to the hospital to be treated for exposure to the liquid nitrogen.
UPDATE: Police tell us the leak was liquid nitrogen and that a frozen valve was open for about an hour.
The valve is closed now and the leak is contained at the source. No injuries have been reported, but Acadian Ambulance personnel are on the scene, evaluating employees.
There are crews on the scene trying to determine how the leak happened, police say.
Exposure to liquid nitrogen can cause several health problems. According to Hudson Valley Community College, direct contact to the skin or eyes can cause severe damage, including cryogenic burns, frostbite and eye damage. Delicate tissues such as the eyes can be permanently damaged even after very brief exposures that would not affect skin on the face or hands. There is often no initial pain when tissue freezes, but there is intense pain when frozen tissue thaws. Damage can occur very quickly with only brief contact.
Daniel Phillips took a look at the winds and this is how he says they're looking:
ORIGINAL STORY:
A nitrogen leak has occurred in Duson and three businesses are being evacuated, officials say.
The Love's Truck Stop, Waste Connections and the Industrial Park are all being evacuated as of 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Duson Police say.
The plume is visible and is moving north, police say.
Residents and motorists are urged to avoid the area. A team of Sheriff's deputies, Louisiana State Police and HazMat officials are working to determine what areas need to be evaucated and when, police say.
The substance is described as "very dangerous" and can cause breathing issues, police say.
Residents who need to be evacuated will be contacted, police will go door-to-door if necessary.
This is a developing story.
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