Hundreds Evacuated in Pennsylvania Chemical Leak

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. (AP) -- About a thousand people were evacuated from their homes and 16 miles of Interstate 80 were shut down Monday night after a tanker truck leaked a hazardous chemical at a rest stop, authorities said.

Homes in Mifflin Township within half a mile of the rest area in north-central Pennsylvania were evacuated, Columbia County Emergency Management Director Irene Miller said, and the highway was closed in both directions.

State police said it was not immediately clear how long the hazard would last, but those evacuated were told not to expect to return home Monday night.

Many people were taken to an area fire hall and authorities planned to open a second shelter overnight.

Police did not immediately identify the chemical.