Reaction Forces Evacuation of Illinois Chemical Facility

Crews were sent to the EMCO chemical packaging plant in Columbia, IL Monday evening after alcohol contacted a 55-gal drum of divinylbenzene, causing a dangerous chemical reaction, several local news organizations reported.

The drum exploded inside the location around 7:20 p.m., sparking a fire, according to NBC News affiliate KSDK. Crews were able to contain the flames to the area where the drum was stored and brought the fire under control in about an hour.

Workers evacuated the facility safely during the incident, coverage by the Waterloo Republic-Times said. Officials told the newspaper that the material inside the drum reached more than 300 degrees as the reaction progressed. After the substance cooled down, firefighters returned control of the plant to company personnel.

Firefighters from several area departments responded and remained on scene until about 11 p.m., the Republic-Times wrote.

EMCO provides chemical distribution, blending, and packaging services.