ITASCA, Illinois -- A Hazmat situation at the Willy Wonka Candy Factory in Illinois prompted an evacuation and sent several workers to the hospital.
Five gallons of lithium fluoride spilled in the plant around 1:30 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2016, according to a report by WGN. Hazmat crews worked overnight to clean the spill.
According to the report, lithium fluoride is used in the factory’s ventilation system. It is not used in any candy products.
Employees at the factory had been evacuated, but were allowed back in at 4 a.m., WGN reported.
It was reported that there were 17 employees who were experiencing respiratory issues, 6 of which refused treatment. About a dozen employees were taken to the hospital, where they were all treated and released.
Production at the candy factory was back up and running by Friday afternoon.
