MER responds to Acid Leak

7.13.2014

“MER Crew Responds to Acid Leak in Lawrence, MA along with Local Authorities.”

 MER crews were decontaminating the inside of a metal finishing company in Lawrence Sunday, July 13th, 2014.

Around 1:30 a.m., a dangerous situation was ongoing inside after nitric acid began leaking from a 165-gallon container. "We entered the building and had a smoke, haze condition in the building," said Lawrence Fire Deputy Chief John McInnis.

A chemical reaction caused four firefighters to fall ill. They were treated for headaches. It also prompted the evacuation of nearby homes in both Lawrence and Andover. In all, eight homes, including two in Lawrence and six in Andover, were evacuated for several hours Sunday morning.

"At the time when Lawrence Fire responded, they had a very active vapor cloud," said Andover Fire Deputy Chief Al DelDotto.

MER Hazmat teams tried to pinpoint what went wrong before the all clear was given around 9:30 a.m. The owner of the company, N-Tek Metal Finishing, had no comment.

Firefighters have been called to the building several times in the past for minor leaks. The investigation into this one continues.

To watch a video, please click here...

(NECN: Jeff Saperstone, Lawrence, Mass.)