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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| National Zoo looking into chlorine ‘boom’ near beavers and otters | National Zoo looking into chlorine ‘boom’ near beavers and otters |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The National Zoo and fire officials are looking into an apparent chlorine accident along its outdoor American Trail exhibit Thursday morning that created a “loud boom,” but caused no fire. | |
| “There was an incident related to chlorine on American Trail, near the otters and beavers,” said zoo spokeswoman Devin Murphy. “There was a loud boom. No fire. No smoke.” | “There was an incident related to chlorine on American Trail, near the otters and beavers,” said zoo spokeswoman Devin Murphy. “There was a loud boom. No fire. No smoke.” |
| “No humans were hurt,” she said. “No animals were hurt. We cleared the area and DC fire is on scene and they’re investigating.” | “No humans were hurt,” she said. “No animals were hurt. We cleared the area and DC fire is on scene and they’re investigating.” |
| Another spokeswoman, Pamela Baker-Masson, said the incident happened at 10:55 a.m. inside a small building that houses machinery that supports the beaver and otter exhibits. Chlorine is used in the water filtration system for the exhibits, she said. | |
| A contract employee was inside the building. He smelled chlorine, and left. Then there was the boom. The fire department was summoned. Baker-Masson said she did know what work the contractor was doing in the building. | |
| There was no gas, she said. The worker was examined by medics. “He is fine,” she said. As of noon, the area was still closed off, even to zoo keepers. | |
| American Trail winds among wolves, otters, beavers and other North American animals. | |
| Timothy J. Wilson, spokesman for the DC fire department, said officials suspect the accident may have stemmed from the improper mixing of chemicals. | Timothy J. Wilson, spokesman for the DC fire department, said officials suspect the accident may have stemmed from the improper mixing of chemicals. |
| Staff writer Peter Hermann contributed to this story. | Staff writer Peter Hermann contributed to this story. |