Accidental chlorine cloud interrupts Washingtonville bridal shower

WASHINGTONVILLE — A bridal shower was interrupted Saturday afternoon when an accidental mix of chemicals created a chlorine gas cloud near a clubhouse at the Weathervane Condominiums.

Washingtonville Fire Chief Jim Skelly said the chlorine vapor cloud formed when an employee from Wechsler Pool & Supply Company in Monticello began filling a 55-gallon drum with a hypochlorite solution.

He said that, unbeknownst to the employee, the drum contained muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid. The chemicals reacted and formed the vapor cloud.

About 50 people had to be evacuated from a nearby bridal shower. There were no injuries in the bridal party, and the pool employee refused medical treatment.

Skelly said an Orange County Hazmat team deemed the area safe after an hour, and that the state Department Environmental Conservation was notified.