An early morning accident at a North Carolina port spilled as many as five gallons of a highly explosive chemical, causing officials to shut down the port and issue a voluntary evacuation for the surrounding area.
At about 4:40 a.m. Tuesday, on the docks in Morehead City, N.C., a forklift operator punctured two different containers, putting holes in nine drums, according to Scott Hembrook, a Coast Guard Sector North spokesman. The substance inside the container was PETN, or the powerful explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate, and Mr. Hembrook said that between three and five gallons had spilled onto the dock.
According to a statement by the North Carolina State Ports, there have been no injuries or damage to the environment. “Explosive materials are handled routinely at the Port of Morehead City,” the statement read.
“All indications are that this is an accidental puncture and a fairly low threat,” said Amy Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Morehead City police department. “However it’s highly explosive material.”
More than 75 officials with the local fire and police departments, the Marines’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and the Coast Guard contained the spill. By noon, businesses in the port were closing.
“We have called for a voluntary evacuation surrounding the area, which is just a precautionary measure,” said Jo Ann Smith, the director of the Carteret County Emergency Services.
“It’s pretty much a ghost town now,” said Liz Stewart, a bartender at Rap’s Grill and Bar, one block from the water. She had to park a half-mile from the bar, because the police had closed off the surrounding area. “We haven’t had a single person in all day, and we’re getting ready to close,” Ms. Stewart said, adding that the bar’s staff was informed that the spill may not be cleaned up until the late afternoon.
Businesses a few miles inland were still operating, according to Ms. Smith.
No comments:
Post a Comment