By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Modern technology in the form of drones played a key role in an incident at Bunge North America in Decatur Monday afternoon which forced evacuations of homes and businesses in the area.
The incident began around noon. Evacuations were called for around 3 p.m. and it wasn’t until 8:20 p.m. that officials issued an all-clear.
Fort Wayne’s haz mat team was called to assist Decatur firefighters, police and other first responders.
Fort Wayne Deputy Fire Chief Adam O’Connor said at a hastily called press conference around 3:30 in the parking lot across from the Bridge Church that Bunge employees mix certain chemicals each day. On Monday, however, something went wrong, causing a chemical reaction and release, O’Connor said.
He said officials decided to lean on the side of caution in ordering the evacuations.
Two drones owned by the Fort Wayne Police Department were sent inside the affected area. The drones were used, O’Connor said, to collect information, meaning no human beings had to be put at risk.
Asked if a potential hazard involved possibly inhaling something or a possible explosion, Decatur officials said only that there was a “mixed reaction” and officials decided to come out on the side of caution.
At 8:25 p.m., the Decatur Fire Department issued the following statement:
“After a thorough investigation by Bunge officials and the Decatur Fire Department, the evacuation order is being lifted.
“Air quality on local streets were tested by an independent environmental company hired by Bunge and all tests deemed those areas safe from any chemical hazards.
“The initial evacuation was issued under an abundance of caution.
“If you live near Bunge and are concerned about any irritations from the odors you may want to consider sheltering elsewhere for the evening or seeking medical attention.”
One person was reported taken to Adams Memorial Hospital for treatment of a minor skin irritation.
The initial area of evacuation covered an approximate half-mile around the Bunge plant: north of Meibers St., east of Canterbury Drive, west of Monmouth Road, and south of Piqua Rd and the Monmouth Rd intersection. It was later reduced in size to approximately one-quarter mile around the plant.
Police and other first responders went door-to-door to inform residents of the evacuations.
At least three restaurants on 13th St. between Washington and Second streets were forced to close.
Evacuees with no place to go were informed they could find shelter at Riverside Center. Reports said 10 to 15 people spent several hours there.
Veteran city councilman Matt Dyer acted as mayor pro tem during the early portion of the situation, while Mayor Dan Rickord was in Fort Wayne for some minor surgery.
Rickord was on the scene later, however, and offered a heartfelt “thank-you” to all the city and first responders, as well as the Fort Wayne first responders for their quick assistance.
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