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S. Forsyth plant evacuated after chemical accident
No injuries reported in incident
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Emergency workers suit up in hazardous materials gear before going in to check out an accidental chemical reaction Monday afternoon at Hansgrohe, a South Forsyth manufacturer. Units from the Forsyth County and Alpharetta fire departments responded to the plant.

CUMMING — The Forsyth County Fire Department spent several hours Monday afternoon investigating what appears to have been an accidental chemical reaction at a South Forsyth manufacturer.

The incident occurred about 2:30 p.m. at Hansgrohe, a German company that manufactures kitchen and bathroom appliances, on Bluegrass Lakes Parkway off McFarland Road.

Fire Capt. Jason Shivers said it appears nitric and hydrocholoric acids were accidentally combined while employees were cleaning at the business.

The fire department’s hazardous materials unit was called out to investigate the situation, which reportedly resulted in a yellow cloud of smoke.

No one was hurt in the incident, which forced the evacuation of about 80 employees from the plant.

Shivers said one worker, whose name has not been released, drove himself to Northside Hospital-Forsyth as a precautionary measure.

Shivers said the employee later complained of breathing difficulties, possibly as a result of exposure to the chemicals.

A hazardous materials unit from the Alpharetta Fire Department also responded to assist.