Phosphoric acid spill triggers hazmat alert in Orange

Hazmat spill in Orange prompts evacuations

Evacuations are underway after a chemical spill near the intersection of W. Collins Avenue and Main Street in Orange. One person has been taken to the hospital for evaluation.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - An employee of an aerospace company in Orange accidentally spilled phosphoric acid Tuesday, triggering a hazardous materials alert.

Firefighters were called at 3:21 p.m. to Collins Avenue and Main Street, where five gallons of the substance was spilled, Orange Fire Department Capt. Ryan O'Connor said.

The floor was designed to absorb the chemical if it spills, so the employee closed the door, got his co-workers out of the building and called authorities, O'Connor said.

The man sustained some skin irritation on the back of his neck and was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

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Firefighters also evacuated neighboring businesses.

Firefighters from Anaheim and Huntington Beach were assisting in the hazardous materials response, O'Connor said.

Police closed Main Street in both directions from Collins Avenue to Shelley Court during the cleanup.