Mon, Feb 24, 2003
Apparent Theft From Nearby Plant Closes Terminal For Seven
Hours
A cloud of ammonia forced hundreds of tourists to
evacuated several hotels along the Gulf Coast near the
Gulfport-Biloxi Airport (MS), Sunday. Investigators say it looks
like someone tried to steal the chemical, possibly to make illegal
drugs.
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport was shut down for seven
hours. and several churches canceled or postponed Sunday services
after police advised residents to stay indoors.
Few Injuries - None At Airport
A couple of emergency workers were treated for inhalation of the
fumes. No other injuries were reported, police Sgt. Joseph Ashmore
said.
Anhydrous ammonia, used to make fertilizer, is
highly explosive. Exposure irritates the skin and airways and can
be fatal.
The evacuation from about 2:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. affected six or
seven hotels near the Gulf of Mexico, as well as an all-night
Wal-Mart and several small restaurants, Ashmore said. Officials
also closed a 10-mile stretch of Interstate 10 and a 3-mile section
of U.S. 49 and surrounding streets after a policeman spotted the
chemical cloud.
Tourists were told to head north. There was no immediate word
how many returned after the evacuation was lifted.
Ashmore said investigators had found evidence that someone who
apparently planned to use anhydrous ammonia to make crystal
methamphetamine had tampered with a 2,000-gallon tank at the
Channel Chemical plant. About 600 gallons was missing, though
investigators didn't know how much of that had leaked.
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