— Analise Ortiz (@AnaliseKGBT) April 10, 2015
The chemical spill at the Weslaco Water Plant prompted officials to order those 820 feet north and west of the plant to stay indoors. An accidental mix of chemicals created hydrogen chloride, Weslaco Emergency Management Coordinator George Garrett told ABC KRGV.
Weslaco Public Utilities Director David Salinas told KGBT that a hose was hooked up to the wrong tank that mixed together the wrong chemicals.
— Lorenzo Zazueta (@lorenzozazueta) April 10, 2015
Weslaco firefighters, Hidalgo County Emergency Management officials, Hidalgo County police officers and McAllen hazmat crews blocked the streets after responding to the emergency call.
It is unknown if the gas released into the air or is still in the tank.
— Leslie Aguilar (@KRGV_Leslie) April 10, 2015
Though the scene was cleared and the roads opened, officials were conducting a “proactive assessment,” to see whether the evacuation area needed to be expanded.
No one was injured, though the local Knapp Medical Center is on alert.
There is no threat to the area surrounding the water plant, and the chemicals have been contained, Weslaco Fire Chief Antonio Lopez told reporters during a briefing.
