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Firefighters battle chemical fire at recycling plant

The fire started inside a tank once used for hydrogen cyanide; 14 plant workers were injured

The Associated Press

WACO, Texas — Authorities say 14 workers at a Central Texas recycling plant have been transported to Waco hospitals to be checked after a chemical fire.

Waco Fire Department officials say the CMC Recycling workers were taken for medical care Thursday as a precaution.

A hospital spokesman said Friday that nine workers were decontaminated at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center and released, with none admitted. Five workers went to Providence Health Center. Their status Friday wasn’t immediately available.

Police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton says workers Thursday morning reported a fire inside a steel tank being cut into scrap. The tank once held hydrogen cyanide, which is used for electroplating, mining and production of pesticides.

Environmental officials monitored the area until the scene was cleared by late Thursday afternoon.

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