A single vehicle hit a gas line at the intersection of Seaway and Lorraine roads in Gulfport Monday morning, creating a hazardous situation for drivers and those who work in the area. (Photo source: Gulfport Police Dept.)
Coast Radio Group employees were evacuated from their offices right next door to the accident scene. (Photo source: Gulfport POlice Dept.)
Gulfport police have shut down traffic to all of Seaway and Lorraine roads. Seaway is closed at Three Rivers Road, and Lorraine Road is closed south of the Wilkes Bridge and north of Seaway Road. (Photo source: WLOX)
GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -Two major roads in Gulfport, Lorraine and Seaway, closed for several hours Monday morning after a car crashed into a well station at the intersection, causing a hazardous chlorine leak.
Gulfport police and fire officials said the Harrison County Development Commission water well station regulates the water for businesses in the area. The chlorine in the building is used to disinfect the water.
"He came across on Seaway Road and across Cowan Lorraine Road at a fairly high rate of speed. Do not know at this point why he didn't stop," said Fire Chief Mike Beyerstedt.
When the car slammed into the building around 10:40 a.m., chlorine poured out onto the road and created a cloud of gas that sent several people to the hospital. The Coast Radio Group offices right next door had to be evacuated.
"We just heard a huge crash, and walked out the door and saw what looked like smoke," said Cinde Weaver.
After hearing the crash, Weaver said several Coast Radio Group employees rushed to aid the man in the vehicle.
"He couldn't get out through the door, then he was trying to get out through the sunroof. Two of our guys went out trying to help him, and one of them threw a brick through the window, and made sure nobody was in it first," said Weaver.
At 1:00 p.m., traffic reopened on both Seaway Road, and on Lorraine Road. The two hour shutdown created a variety of traffic nightmares for drivers heading to or from I-10 at exit 38.
Garden Park Medical Center Spokesperson Angie Juzang said five people were rushed to the emergency room with what were described as compromised respiratory issues. These people were apparently first responders or good Samaritans who attempted to help the driver who crashed into the white building. Monday afternoon, all five people were still in the hospital.
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