4 taken to hospital after toxic chemical leaks from FedEx truck in Cherokee
Four people were taken to local hospitals in Cherokee County after a “very toxic and dangerous” chemical leaked from a FedEx truck Friday, authorities confirmed.
Around 2 p.m., it was discovered the truck was leaking a chemical called organic peroxide type F, which Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Jay Baker told AJC.com is incredibly dangerous to breathe.
It happened near the Pilgrim’s Pride chicken plant and temporarily shut down I-575 and Univeter Road.
About 300 Pilgrim's Pride employees were evacuated. Two employees were transported with breathing issues. Two construction workers at a site along Highway 5 were transported with breathing issues, too. pic.twitter.com/GeQbt6AtjO
— Richard Elliot (@RElliotWSB) September 21, 2018
Baker said the plant’s nearly 300 employees were evacuated, and two were taken to an area hospital for breathing issues after being exposed to the chemical.
While the truck was making its transport to the plant, some of the chemical was found spilled on Ga. 5 near a construction site, Baker said. Two construction workers were also taken to a hospital with breathing issues.
I-575 was previously shut down between exits 14 and 16 in both directions, but it reopened around 3:30 p.m., the Canton Police Department said.
Please share! Univeter Rd is shut down at Chattin Dr in Canton due to an acid spill at a nearby industrial park. Avoid the area if possible.
— Cherokee County (@Cherokee_GA) September 21, 2018
Univeter Road reopened a little before 7:15 p.m., the sheriff’s office said.
Univeter Rd. in Canton is now open.
— Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (@CherokeeSO) September 21, 2018
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About the Author
Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives.
