Greenwood, Indiana evacuates businesses after chemical leak
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Authorities in Greenwood, Indiana ordered the evacuation of nearby businesses on Monday morning, July 13, 2026, after a chemical storage drum ruptured at the Safety-Kleen waste management facility on Park 800 Industrial Drive. Employees reported that a drum containing dimethyl carbonate, a widely used industrial solvent, began to swell before it burst, sending the flammable liquid into an underground containment system. Although dimethyl carbonate is not highly toxic in open-air exposure, it has a low flash point of about 64°F, and temperatures in the 80s increased the risk of ignition. The Greenwood Fire Department led a multi-agency response and coordinated with Duke Energy to cut power to the facility and nearby buildings.
Timeline
- Monday morning, Jul 13, 2026 drum of dimethyl carbonate swelling observed
- Shortly after, Jul 13, 2026 storage drum ruptures, chemical enters containment
- Jul 13, 2026 Safety-Kleen team initiates internal spill response
- Jul 13, 2026 company contacts Greenwood Fire Department assistance
- Later Jul 13, 2026 mandatory evacuation ordered for nearby businesses
- Later Jul 13, 2026 emergency crews identify elevated flash fire risk
- Later Jul 13, 2026 responders coordinate power shutdown with Duke Energy
- Later Jul 13, 2026 regional hazmat resources support Greenwood operations
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.

























