Hydrogen Chloride Leak Forces Families To Evacuate

Hydrogen chloride leaked Sunday from a Dow Corning Corp. plant, sending a cloud of acid into the air and forcing 15 families to evacuate temporarily. No injuries were reported.

The corrosive gas began venting from the plant about 9:30 a.m. after an electrical malfunction caused a disruption in power, said Dow spokesman Scott Seeburger. About 25 people were in the plant at the time, fire officials said.

The families were allowed to return to their homes about two hours after the incident.

Hydrogen chloride can cause a burning irritation if inhaled.