HazMat Responds to Chemical Spill near Columbia Athletic Club

Two chemicals were accidentially mixed in a truck outside Columbia Athletic Club on Beaverkill Road Wednesday, creating a red cloud and sending one person to the hospital, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

Firefighter Anthony Proctor said crews responded to the incident around 8:35 a.m. after getting a call that a red cloud was created after the chemicals bromine and simple green were accidentially mixed.

One person who inhaled some of the cloud was taken to Howard County General Hospital, according to Proctor.

Columbia Association released the following statement about the incident, "A CA staffer was removing trash from the Columbia Athletic Club this morning when she noticed a reaction between two chemicals that are used for cleaning. She removed the bag from the CA truck in order to prevent potential damage to the vehicle. She was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure and has subsequently been released."

Proctor said the staffer called the fire department after noticing the red cloud forming.

"They thought something was on fire initially," said Proctor.

Responding crews mitigated the spill quickly, according to Proctor, and it's now cleaned up. Columbia Athletic Club did not close due to the incident and remains open.