The chemical was Sulfur dioxide at Hydrite Chemical Co. occurred on Saturday night and the fumes were windblown to nearby Hulman-Mini Speedway, where people were enjoying while watching auto races, according to a fire department spokesman, Joe Swan, in Terre Haute.
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The crowd at the speedway, as well as between 200 and 300 local residents have been evacuated from the area until the leak was stopped and the air cleared, but some of them were already complaining of issues ranging from respiratory problems (difficult breathing) to facial irritation, throat soreness and nausea.
Caitlyn Chandler, an individual who said his brother also experienced problems due to the chemical leakage, said that his brother was treated for chest pain and nausea.
A chemical spill of sulfur dioxide has sent 15 people to hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana, local media reported Sunday.
All in all, 15 people were brought to the Terre Haute Regional Hospital.
Worker at the chemical company located the leak and quickly worked to shut off some pipes, the station reported.
At the scene, first responders provided oxygen to some patients. Of those, 12 were treated and released, and three were admitted for additional testing and treatment. No patients so far are being treated at the Union Hospital for causes related to the leak.
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No other businesses or homes were evacuated, but police blocked access to the immediate area for several hours.
