DUNN – An explosion was reported Tuesday morning at a Dunn chemical plant. Fire crews rushed to the Brainerd Chemical Company off Highway 301 South in the Dunn city limits following a report of a fire and explosion inside the plant.
Crews from the Dunn, Erwin, Benson and Plainview Fire Departments, Harnett County Emergency Management and a regional hazardous materials response team from Fayetteville responded.
Harnett County Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Banks Wallace said during a normal chemical process, sulfuric acid was accidentally mixed with sodium chloride causing an explosion inside the plant. Approximately 100 gallons of chemicals spilled inside the building. One employee was evaluated at the scene but was not transported to the hospital.
A vapor cloud was released but quickly dissipated.
The building sustained damage to the roof and a rear wall.
