8 injured from Warsaw Chemical fire, home evacuation lifted

WARSAW, Ind. (WANE/ WSBT) – Crews responded to reports of an explosion at a chemical plant in Warsaw Friday morning. Warsaw Chemical, located at 2300 E. Durbin St. is well known for producing car washing products.

Two fire departments arrived at the plant at 11:15 a.m., according to WSBT-TV. Residents within 1,000 feet north and east of the plant were asked to evacuate. The area remains under evacuation until further notice and until air quality tests have been performed.

Lt. Kip Shuter of the Warsaw Police Department said eight people were injured. Out of those eight people, five were with the Warsaw City Waste Water Treatment and two were firemen. Their injuries included burning eyes and lungs. One person was also treated for burns on his hands.

Each person was decontaminated and taken to a hospital for further treatment.

Police said run-off from the fire went down the hill into Winona Lake.

Shuter says about 50 homes and businesses within 1,000 feet of the plant were evacuated. The evacuation was lifted around 3:30 p.m.