SANTA PAULA, Calif. — Several people were hospitalized Tuesday morning after a vacuum truck exploded, spraying a combustible white liquid several hundred feet.
NBC Los Angeles reported that two drivers were in the truck when it exploded around 6:30 a.m. at the Waste Water Company, spraying what at first was believed to be sewage. The substance was later found to be a white liquid that crystallized and became combustible.
After several small explosions, a fire spread through the business’ industrial yard.
One of the drivers was hospitalized, as well as three firefighters with minor injuries and a fourth person who was in the area, according to the report. A fifth hospitalization was reported before 9 a.m.
"(Our) primary focus and concern is for the safety of our employees and community,” said Doug Edwards, chairman of the board for the Santa Clara Waste Water Company.
After it crystallized, the unknown substance became extremely combustible, and firefighters were faced with small explosions and fires.
“From time to time you begin to see white smoke,” said Capt. Mike Lindbery, spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department. “I think things are continuing to ignite down there.”
Fifty firefighters from several departments responded to the incident.
We will update you once more information becomes available.