1985 Karlskoga gas leak

On 10 January 1985, a gas leak occurred at Björkborn, Karlskoga Municipality, Sweden, when a chemical plant spewed sulfuric acid gas over Karlskoga. The incident forced 300 people to evacuate and injured 20 people.

1985 Karlskoga gas leak
Karlskoga is located in Sweden
Karlskoga
Karlskoga
DateJanuary 10–11, 1985 (1985-01-10 – 1985-01-11)
LocationKarlskoga, Sweden
Coordinates29°21′46.5″N 34°57′45.5″E / 29.362917°N 34.962639°E / 29.362917; 34.962639
Deaths0
Non-fatal injuries20

Accident

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On 10 January 1985, pre-7 pm local time, a gas leak was discovered at the Björkborn Industrial Zone, located northeast of the Björkborn Manor, spewing sulfuric acid gas over the nearby area.[1][2] The gas container stopped leaking by 3 am local time still the gas had reacted with the fog. Thus, resulting in an almost opaque-like fog covering the town of Karlskoga.[3]

Response

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Schools and offices were closed, all 36,000 inhabitants had to stay inside their homes, and traffic on the European Route E18 stopped,[4] all in response to the gas leak.

In addition, approximately 20 people sought treatment at an emergency clinic set up at a local school, treating chest pains and coughing.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Cause Sought for Sweden Gas Leak That Injured 20". Los Angeles Times. 12 January 1985. Retrieved 23 December 2022 – via L.A. TIMES ARCHIVES.
  2. ^ "Deel Zweedse stad ontruimd na vorming gaswolk zwavelzuur". Leeuwarder Courant (in Dutch). 11 January 1985. Retrieved 23 December 2022 – via Delpher.
  3. ^ "Artikel ur Brandförsvar nr 3/85". rib.msb.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Svårt nå fram till gasläckan". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 11 January 1985. ISSN 1101-2412. Retrieved 23 December 2022 – via National Library of Sweden.
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