A chemical gas leak at the Akron Water Plant on Ravenna Road in Franklin Township resulted in three people being transported to the hospital, according to the City of Akron on Wednesday.

The leak was a result of a chemical reaction of the chemical alum being mistakenly added to two tanks of bleach, creating chlorine gas. 

At around 2 p.m., the Portage County Hazardous Materials Team responded to an incident at the plant. At 2:49 p.m., they issued a shelter-in-place warning for residents and businesses within a half-mile radius of the Akron Water Plant. 

As of 4:05 p.m., that shelter-in-place order has been extended, according to a release from Portage County Emergency Management. 

The plant has since been evacuated and is currently shut down. In a release sent out at 2:46 p.m., Portage County Emergency Management warns residents to turn off HVAC units, close windows and seek shelter indoors. 

“If you are smelling a bleach smell, or are experiencing respiratory symptoms, seek medical treatment,” the release said.  

Officials say that the gas is an air issue and there is no threat to the water supply.

“The water currently circulating in Akron’s water distribution system was not impacted by the reaction and remains safe to consume,” the City of Akron said in its release. 

More information about the leak can be found at the Portage County Hazardous Materials Team Facebook page. 

Loreal Puleo is a staff writer. Contact her at [email protected].