Gas Cloud Forces Evacuation at Costco
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From Times Wire Reports
Hundreds of Costco shoppers were evacuated Sunday morning after hazardous gas wafted into the store. The gas was created when 70 pounds of dried chlorine was left in a trash bin attached to the building.
The chemical mixed with damp cardboard and created fumes of hydrochloric acid that filled the store, said Fremont Fire Battalion Chief Greg Dillingham.
Hydrochloric acid can burn the throat and eyes and lead to asphyxiation.
About 300 customers and employees were evacuated. No one was seriously injured.
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