13 People Taken to Hospital Following Chemical Spill at West Des Moines Clinic (Updated)

Updated, 11:30 a.m.

At least 13 people were affected by chemical fumes after a chemical spill at a West Des Moines business, says KCCI.com. 

The spill occurred at Lakeview Family Medicine and Urgent Care, 6000 University, WHO Channel 13 reports.

The facility was evacuated, according to KCCI Channel 8, and some employees were taken away by ambulance, although it was not believed anyone was seriously hurt.

West Des Moines Fire Chief Mike Whitsell told KCCI about 8 ounces of the chemical phenol was spilled, which is considered a large spill for this type of chemical. Phenol and its vapors are corrosive to the eyes, skin and the respiratory tract.

Hazmat workers in protective suits will work to clean up the spill, KCCI said.

Some employees from the clinic were removed by ambulance to other medical facilities. Officials said they were not seriously hurt but will be checked out as a precaution.

Dispatchers told WHO crews were called around 9:40 a.m. Friday.

West Des Moines Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.