UPDATE: 1:36 p.m. Louisiana State Police tell us their LSP Emergency Services Unit responded to the leak at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. They’re initial investigation revealed a valve malfunction involving boron trifluoride, which caused the leak. The nearby area was evacuated as a precaution.
Hazardous materials crews successfully contained the leak, and all evacuation and shelter-in-place orders have since been lifted. There are no immediate threats to the area. A total of ten individuals were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Those individuals include three first responders, six employees of the affected business, and one employee from a nearby business. All reported injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.
Louisiana State Police is the lead investigating agency. This remains an active investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available. We thank all responding agencies for their assistance during this incident…