5 people hurt, 1 critically, in Stark County chemical release

STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - Five people were injured after being exposed to hydrogen sulfide Monday morning at a Canton Township plant.

Officials said the incident happened around 7:53 a.m. at US Ecology in the 2000 block of Central Avenue.

According to the company’s website, they use a delisting treatment process to convert hazardous inorganic wastes into non-hazardous, delisted residuals.

Four patients were transported to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital.

Cleveland Clinic officials said one patient is in critical condition and the other three are in fair condition.

The fifth victim went to an area hospital by private transport.

Canton Township fire officials said all five victims are suffering from varying degrees of exposure and injuries.

Canton Township Fire Department PIO Scott Johnson said the gas release was isolated to the immediate area inside the facility.

“We pulled everybody back out of the area and sealed the area off to any access until we had hazmat come down to further evaluate,” said Chris Smith the Canton Township Fire Chief.

The Stark County Hazmat team took air quality readings and investigated the scene to determine if any environmental issues were present.

The Stark County Hazmat team took air quality readings and investigated the scene to determine if any environmental issues were present.

“Initially there was no environmental impact, no immediate concern for the residents because the area was an open air facility and the pits they use have self contained drainage,” Chief Smith added.

The cause of the the hydrogen sulfide leak is still being investigated.

Canton Township received assistance from Marathon Petroleum Fire Brigade, Osnaburg Township Fire Department for EMS, Stark County Hazmat Team, and Canton City for aerial monitoring equipment.

An employee of US Ecology, on scene, said he was not authorized to answer questions.

Republic Services, the parent company of US Ecology responded to questions from 19 News with a statement.

Statement from US Ecology:

Thank you for reaching out to US Ecology. We are aware of an incident at our facility in Canton, Ohio and are cooperating with authorities as they investigate. The occurrence poses no threat to the health or safety of the public. Safety is our top priority and we will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.

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