Acid Leak At Western Pennsylvania Chemical Plant Spurs Residents To Flee

October 12, 2008 6:50 a.m. EST

Petrolia, PA. (AHN) - Over 2,000 residents evacuated a Western Pennsylvania town following a leak at an area chemical plant Saturday.

A Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson indicated residents may not be able to return to their homes until the morning hours Sunday following the oleum leak.

The chemical, described as 'fuming sulfuric acid', became a concern due to a reported overflow from a tank at the plant, which makes a glue used by tire manufacturers.

Three people were taken to area hospitals, though there is no update on their injuries or conditions.