Reported Chemical Leak Prompts Hospital Lockdown In Western Michigan

ZEELAND, Mich. (AP) -- Officials in western Michigan are investigating a reported chemical leak that prompted a hospital to shut down for about four hours.

MLive.com reports Saturday that Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital went on lockdown Friday night after reports that a small cloud of phosphorus trichloride leaked at nearby chemical manufacturer Vertellus Specialties.

The newspaper says the chemical turns into a toxic gas when it comes in contact with water.

Hospital spokeswoman Sara Donkersloot said the facility reopened about 1 a.m. Saturday.

Zeeland Fire Chief Bill Gruppen said other buildings in an industrial zone within a half-mile of Vertellus Specialties were evacuated.

Vertellus Specialties spokeswoman Susan Miller said in an email late Friday that the company was "working with authorities to resolve the situation."

Zeeland is southwest of Grand Rapids.

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