Several firefighters are among those hurt in a blast involving chemicals.
Approximately 1,000 gallons of an organic peroxide exploded from the truck at 3:46 a.m. at the Santa Clara Waste Water Company.
The chemical, which is unstable and has sparked spontaneous explosions, spread across a 300 to 400-foot area, Ventura County fire officials told NBC reporters.
After it crystallized, the unknown substance became extremely combustible, and firefighters were faced with small explosions.
“From time to time you begin to see white smoke,” said Capt. Mike Lindbery told the media. “I think things are continuing to ignite down there.”
Firefighters were pulled out of the area because their boots were creating explosions.
The neighborhood near the incident as well as businesses were evacuated.
