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.

FMI: www.gulfcoast.org/gpt