Section of Highway 400 reopens after chemical reaction spews toxic fumes

A section of Highway 400 has reopened in both directions between Highway 401 and Finch Avenue after a chemical reaction at an aluminum factory earlier Wednesday spewed toxic fumes.

Emergency crews were called to the factory on Arrow Road, in the area of the 400 and Sheppard Avenue, just before noon.

Fire officials said a chemical reaction in the factory was giving off toxic fumes, forcing the evacuation of area businesses.

“We a report of smoke in the area, it was dispatched as a fire call. Crews arrived to find a yellowish/orange gas and vapor emanating from the building,” Platoon Chief John D’Aloisio explained.

Hazmat crews worked with officials from the factory to figure out what happened. D’Aloisio said it was determined two chemicals had mixed, causing the release of a gas.

“The problem has been mitigated. There’s no more threat to the public. We did evacuate over 100 people our of adjoining buildings and the nearby vicinity, but right now we believe the threat is over,” D’Aloisio said.

Crews will continue to monitor levels in the building as a precaution.