The Nation - News from April 20, 1987

Noxious chemical fumes leaked from a Philadelphia chemical plant, prompting officials to close part of Interstate 95, the Walt Whitman Bridge between Philadelphia and New Jersey and a water treatment plant for several hours. Ashland Chemical Co. was evacuated when a tank there began leaking styrene, said Mike Nucci, a city emergency preparedness coordinator. Crews from three merchant ships along the riverfront also were evacuated. No injuries were reported. The fumes caused eye irritation and nausea but were not toxic, officials said. The cause of the leak was under investigation.