Dioxin gas released in Belgium

[Joseph R Parrish Jr <JoeParrish@compuserve.com>]

---------Forwarded message-------------------
Date: Tue, 14 Dec 1999 13:05:54 -0500
From: "Marjorie P. Pollack" <pollackmp@mindspring.com>
Source: EFE newswire via COMTEX Mon 13 Dec 1999 5:18 PM EST 


EXPLOSION RELEASES TOXIC CLOUD, 
FOUR BELGIAN TOWNS THREATENED


Belgian authorities told residents in four southern towns to remain 
indoors after a transformer on an island in the canal city of Liege 
exploded Monday, releasing a cloud of highly toxic dioxin gas. 

Authorities said a fire early Monday at a plant belonging to the 
Magemont Co. on the island of Monsin spread to a transformer, 
causing an explosion that released a kilometers-wide cloud of the 
toxic gas. 

Authorities, who for the moment have ruled out evacuating the 
area, told residents of Wandre, Barchon, Jupille and Cheratte to 
stay indoors with their windows shut and ordered schools to keep 
students inside. 

They also warned that wind was pushing the cloud towards 
Belgium's border with the Netherlands. 

Magemont officials have reported several more explosions at the 
plant, where some 300 tons of highly volatile magnesium was being 
stored. 
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