WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM | Chlorine Gas Leak At BWL Causes Evacuations

Chlorine Gas Leak At BWL Causes Evacuations

A chemical leak Tuesday created a plume of chlorine gas which prompted evacuations in south Lansing.

It all started around 9:45 a.m. when officials with the Board of Water and Light say a truck unloading 1,200 gallons of chlorine put it in the wrong tank causing a chemical reaction. It happened at their plant on the city's southwest side at Jolly and Wise Roads.

"I've been talking to some people from the Board of Water and Light who have been here for 30 plus years and their recollection is there has never been this significant of a chemical incident, said Mark Nixon, Board of Water and Light.

The Lansing Fire Department was evacuating homes, a community center and a nearby park but those were lifted shortly after. Fire officials say they now know that those areas are not dangerous.

"Everything was contained in the plant, at this time not off-gasing into the environment, Charles Stadt, Lansing Fire Department.

Officials say two people were hospitalized, a BWL worker and the truck driver, but are expected to be okay.  

"We have a larger working water plant in downtown Lansing sufficient enough to supply the needs of our community," said Nixon.

There is no word yet on how long the process will be before the plant will reopen. 

BWL officials say the plant will be closed for quite some time but that it shouldn't affect service.