WEATHERSFIELD — Emergency officials reported that the hydrochloric acid spill outside of Girard has been cleaned up and contained. People who were evacuated now are being allowed to return to their homes and businesses.

About 7:30 a.m., Weathersfield firefighters dispatched by a call from a passerby to Predator Trucking Co., 1775 N. State St., discovered the spill. Shortly after, homes and businesses within a one-mile radius were evacuated. The Niles Community Services Center was used as an evacuation point.

According to police radio traffic, further assistance was called in when people refused to leave a Dunkin’ Donuts shortly after 9 a.m.

Concentrated hydrochloric acid is classified as a corrosive that can eat through human skin. The liquid and the acidic mists from release of the concentrated form can irreversibly damage respiratory organs, eyes, skin and intestines.

More on this story will be published in the Tuesday Tribune Chronicle.