PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (WSVN) — Dozens of workers were evacuated at Port Everglades after what initially was thought to be a chemical spill brought a hazmat crew and first responders to the scene, Friday night. Officials said, however, that the substance turned out to be cleaning solution.
According to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, a hazmat crew responded to the scene at 4300 McIntosh Road, at around 7:15 p.m. Officials said, a worker was moving the container when he noticed an unknown liquid was leaking from it.
The hazmat crew responded to the scene and evacuated 60 workers from the area. "We just have to wait until the fire department clears it," said one of the workers.
The crew isolated the container and, officials said, at first they thought the substance leaking from the container could have been cyanide.
But the crew determined that the substance was not a dangerous chemical, but a solution used to clean the container. "A determination was made that it was not hazardous," said Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesperson Mike Jachles. "Approximately two hours from the time we arrived here, everything was rendered safe."
After a cleanup crew finished removing the spilled liquid, the workers were allowed back into the evacuated area and resumed their duties.
The container was one of several that had reportedly just arrived from the Dominican Republic.