Chemical Leak That Shut Down Road In Indio Is Back Open

INDIO –Updated 2/28/10: Cal Fire saidSunday morning that Cabazon Ave. from Avenue 48 to Commerce is back open.

Crews finished their cleanup around 2 a.m. Saturday morning.

News Channel 3 has learned the two people who are in the hospital still initially were admitted in critical condition. Cal Fire confirmed that one of the injured people was the operator of the crane that punctured the chlorine-filled cylinder. The second person was the operator’s spotter on the scrap yard. The two patients’ conditionsare improving, says Cal Fire.

Marilene Sforcin came to the intersection of Dillon Rd. and Cabazon Ave. Thursday morning to check on her husband’s business.

“Never happens, something like this,” she said. “This is the first time in five years.”

According to Cal Fire, workers operating a crane punctured a one-ton cylinder which still contained a chemical inside of it: concentrated chlorine.

Two people were rushed to the hospital. After emergency crews arrived at the scene, they found 15 people on the property. Crews sent two more people to the hospital. A fourth person drove himself to the hospital afterwards.

A local scrap metal collector, who only wanted to be identified as “Miguel,” tells News Channel 3 that the recycling center follows a strict guideline of checking donated metal drums.

“They’re supposed to empty the can — even if they see a little gas. They’re supposed to make sure it’s empty before he tries to pop it.”

Fire crews evacuated a total of five businesses and shut down Cabazon Ave. Cal Fire says high exposure to chlorine could result in respiratory problems and skin irritation.

Marilene Sforcin is relieved to know no one is hurt seriously. “Everything is ok, thank God!” she said.