Explosion, Chemical Reaction Forces Evacuation of Plant

An “apparent explosion” and chemical reaction prompted the evacuation of about 20 workers at a South Bend, IN adhesives manufacturing facility Wednesday night, the South Bend Tribune reported Thursday.

Area Haz-Mat responders were contacted at about 9:30 p.m. with a report that seemingly-toxic smoke was inside the Royal Adhesives & Sealants facility after a chemical reaction occurred, the newspaper said. Employees told the Tribune that a gas started filling the building after the reaction at about 9 p.m.

The article did not include which chemicals were involved in the incident.

Assistant chief of operations for the South Bend Fire Department Jim Luccki told the Tribune that officials determined the smoke was not dangerous, but could possibly irritate eyes and mucous membranes.

An unnamed company source told the Tribune that 20 to 25 employees working at the facility at the time of the incident were evacuated. No injuries were reported.

Royal Adhesives & Sealants is a producer of sealants, high-performance adhesives, and polymer coatings.

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