8 treated after hydrochloric acid spill in Saskatoon

Eight people had to be treated for breathing problems after a large hydrochloric acid spill in the 800 block of 50th Street in Saskatoon's north end. 

They were checked over by ambulance crews, but officials said that none of the eight had to be taken to hospital. 

• What are the dangers of hydrochloric acid?

Some buildings nearby were also evacuated as a precaution, according to CBC reporters at the scene. But it's unclear exactly how many people were asked to leave the immediate area. 

A 9-1-1 call came in around 9:15 a.m. CST from Pounder Emulsions, which is a division of Husky Oil. As much as 10,000 litres of hydrochloric acid may have spilled at the site. Clean up of the site will begin this evening. 

Police blocked off the area and urged the public to stay away. Roadblocks went up at Wentz and Cleveland Avenues on 50th and 51st Streets. 

Police said it could be early afternoon before the area reopens to traffic. 

Hydrochloric acid is a clear liquid, poisonous and highly corrosive.

The U.S National Institutes of Health said that the symptoms of poisoning from breathing hydrochloric acid include choking, coughing up blood, dizziness, rapid pulse and shortness of breath. 

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to the chemical should seek immediate medial attention.    

Cleaning up 

The Saskatoon Fire Department said clean-up will start later this evening, but businesses in the area will remain closed as a precaution.

The crews expect to work on cleaning up from 8:00 CST to midnight, and will evaluate progress at that point.

CBC's Rachel Bergen is tweeting from the scene. View her tweets below. 

• On mobile? View the tweets here.