The Lee County Emergency Management Coordinator confirms that a hydrochloric acid leak occurred at Roquette America, Inc. in Keokuk after lines froze and a pipe broke resulting in possibly three injuries.
Image of Roquette America, Inc.
KHQA-TV reports that Fire crews were on scene Tuesday afternoon, and the leak has been stopped by Roquette but they do not know at this time how much has leaked.
A relative of an employee tells KHQA her sister is currently locked inside of the Roquette building.
At this time, no one is allowed to leave.
There is red tape all around the building.
The incident has been reported as a ‘hazmat incident’ and residents are being asked to avoid the area.
Two choppers landed at Keokuk Area Hospital due to the scene at Roquette.
Some employees have been sent to the hospital but injuries are unknown.
