CHAMBERSBURG – An acid leak at a chemical facility near Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County, on Thursday morning resulted in 17 people being transported to the hospital for evaluation of chemical exposure.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. at AFCO, a company that produces industrial cleaners for the food service industry. The leak, which created a yellow cloud of smoke, was reported to be a mixture of water, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and dye.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene on Development Avenue. Shawn Corwell of the Franklin Fire Company confirmed that the leak has been contained, but hazmat crews continue to monitor adjacent tanks to prevent further incidents.
Of the 17 individuals evaluated at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, two were admitted to the intensive care unit, while eight others were admitted for observation. The remaining patients are still undergoing evaluation.
As a precautionary measure, a shelter-in-place order was issued for Letterkenny Army Depot and parts of the surrounding township. The order was lifted at approximately 1:05 p.m.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection are currently investigating the cause of the leak. Corwell stated that the exact cause is unlikely to be released until OSHA completes its investigation.
