Sulfuric acid spill at Coors canning plant in west metro Denver forces evacuation of workers

Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies reopened roads around the Coors canning plant in west metro Denver Friday after a sulfuric acid spill forced the evacuation of workers.

The plant was closed on Friday.

The spill on Thursday at the Coors facility, about a mile east from the brewery, was under investigation and the cause wasn’t released. Coors did not report any injuries among the 90 or workers evacuated as a safety precaution.

Hazardous materials crews were trying to determine how much acid spilled to assess the impact and ensure safe cleanup, according to sheriff officials. Sulfuric acid is corrosive and destructive to the skin, eyes, teeth and lungs, health authorities say, and severe exposure can be fatal.

“It spilled over a container it was in. They weren’t sure how much spilled over. They got everybody out of there,” sheriff’s office spokeswoman Karlyn Tilley said.

Hazmat crews in full gear entered the facility Thursday night, Tilley said. “They wanted to make sure no chemicals mixed. They don’t believe there is any threat or danger to the public.”

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