A chemical spill from a facility located in Terra Haute, Indiana on Saturday has resulted in the hospitalization of at least 15 people.

The Indy Star reported that the chemical has been identified as sulfur dioxide. The spill originated from the Hydrite Chemical Company. The noxious gas reached the unsuspecting audience and participants of the Hulman Mini Speedway.

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Firemen, who reported to distress calls, were told that the chemical spilled was sulfuric acid. But it turned out to be false. Authorities later discovered that the chemical spilled is sulfur dioxide - an invisible gas emitting a noxious odor, which may cause lifetime injury if breathed.

Up to 300 persons fled the area following the chemical spill. Several people reported various symptoms ranging from nose irritation to breathing problems. Medical teams were able to treat some of the victims by giving them oxygen. Many of those who were able to run away from the effects of the powerful gas covered their faces with their own clothes.

An eyewitness recounted how the members of the audience including children were knocked down by the foul smell of the chemical, with some reportedly coughing and having trouble standing up.

The local medical facility reported that out of the 15 admitted, only three remained for further treatment and tests.

Local authorities have placed barricades around the chemical plant and racetrack but did not evacuate the business establishment and residential homes near the leak.

Local firefighting unit spokesperson Joe Swan claimed that after two hours of the chemical spill, there were no more reports of people getting sick due to inhalation of the chemical. Swan said he believed that the company was able to plug in the leak and prevent the gas from spreading to other people.

Sulfur dioxide is primarily used in manufacturing and can also be used as a food preservative. Environmental regulators warned that sulfur dioxide can affect persons with broncho conditions or asthma.

Hydrite Chemical has so far refused to answer questions from reporters. The company is described on its site as  "one of the biggest and highly respected chemical supplier in the U.S." The site also mentioned that the company has various chemical manufacturing facilities in other states like California and Wisconsin.

TagsTerra haute, chemical leak, chemical spill, hydrite chemical company, sulfur dioxide, sulfuric acid, noxious gas, breathing difficulty, hulman mini speedway, mini race track