S. Elgin acid spill injures worker, evacuates business

A worker at a South Elgin plant suffered minor burns Tuesday after he was splashed by sulfuric acid that leaked from a storage container, authorities said.

The leak was reported about 10:46 a.m. at Custom Aluminum Products, 410 Division St., which was evacuated while firefighters and hazardous materials teams responded.

About 40 gallons of sulfuric acid spilled inside the building before employees stopped the leak by shutting off an air compressor, according to a statement from the South Elgin fire department.

The 58-year-old employee's burns appeared to be minor and not life-threatening. He was taken to Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin for evaluation, firefighters said.

No other injuries were reported among the roughly 15 other workers in the building. Hazardous materials technicians confirmed the leak was contained and did not spill in to outside drains.

Sulfuric acid also can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

Custom Aluminum occupies several buildings in the village's industrial park, which also were checked after the leak was reported, firefighters said.

Emergency crews left the scene about 1 p.m., when a private contractor arrived to clean up the spill.