BOSTON (WHDH) - A cloud of powder from an overfilled cement truck triggered a large hazmat response and prompted several evacuations in Charlestown on Friday morning, officials said.
Crews responding to a Level 2 hazmat situation at Lafarge on Terminal Street around 9 a.m. were greeted by a large plume of powder, according to the Boston Fire Department.
Witnesses say the cloud of powder could be seen for miles. It left vehicles in the area covered in white residue.
“I saw the cloud and I knew something wasn’t good,” said Gregory Brindeveille, who was picking up a delivery at the time of the incident. “There must have been a malfunction somewhere in the system or the spout coming down.”
Video obtained by 7NEWS showed lots of powder pouring onto the ground and then shooting into the sky.
Three buildings in the area were evacuated and several people were decontaminated as a precaution, Deputy Fire Chief Stephen McNeil said.
McNeil later confirmed that a malfunction was indeed to blame for the overflow of cement.
Letita Jackson, who works nearby, was one of three people who went through the decontamination process.
“You have to strip, put yourself in a bag, and shower in some hot, hot water for about three minutes,” she explained.
Crews are working to clean up the mess and to determine if the area is safe.
No injuries were reported.
OSHA has been notified.
Deputy Chief Stephen McNeil briefs the media on the level 2 Hazmat at 50 Terminal St. Charlestown. There was a malfunction that caused the over fill, which produced the cloud. A clean up company is in route. There will be multiple inspectors and agencies on site. pic.twitter.com/qe5BbnOKIs
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 26, 2019
There were 3 buildings evacuated as a precaution . Members used air quality monitoring devices to check the air .The Decon Unit treated 3 members. No injuries to report. pic.twitter.com/d2foiKoQgP
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 26, 2019
At approximately 9:00 there was a level 2 Hazmat response at 50 Terminal St. Charlestown. A over fill of concrete truck created a large cloud. pic.twitter.com/tmOv1WH3Yb
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 26, 2019
New viewer video shows that plume of materials in the air. Again we’re following a level 2 Hazmat situation in Charlestown. Stay with #7News for the details at noon pic.twitter.com/5uTPjOnF1f
— Juliana Mazza (@julianamazzatv) July 26, 2019
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS for updates online and on-air.
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