Acid leaks after tank explodes at Incheon factory

An acid tank exploded at a factory in Incheon on Monday. A tank for storing hydrochloric acid at a chemical manufacturing plant in Seoknam-dong, Seo District exploded at 2:06 p.m...

Firefighters inspect on Monday the chemical factory in Incheon's Seo District where an explosion took place in the afternoon. [NEWS1]

An acid tank exploded at a factory in Incheon on Monday.

A tank for storing hydrochloric acid at a chemical manufacturing plant in Seoknam-dong, Seo District exploded at 2:06 p.m.

There were no casualties reported, but some of the acid leaked in the explosion.

Local firefighters dispatched to the factory reportedly cordoned off the area to collect the leaked substances. The factory also stores chlorine, sodium chlorate and sodium hydroxide — all of them hazardous chemicals.

The Seo District Office alerted residents of the explosion and leak, asking everyone to stay away from the factory and its vicinity, and for those living nearby to keep their windows closed.

Possible causes for the explosion were being investigated as of press time.

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]