Hazardous Materials Call Evacuates Inmates and Staff from Salem Prison

Two correction personnel have been transported to Salem Hospital to be evaluated.

Salem-News.com file photo

(SALEM, Ore.) - Approximately 450 inmates and correction personnel have been evacuated from the Santiam Correctional Institution, a state prison in Salem, over a hazardous Materials call.

The approximate number of 450 people was reported just after 12:00 noon today.

Firefighters were on scene at the institution at 4005 Aumsville Highway in Salem shortly after the call came in advising of a problem at the prison at 10:39 AM.

Salem Fire Department Bill Holmstrom says the problem originated from chemicals that were mixed accidentally.

He says that when the call first came in, a couple of people at the correctional facility reported being light headed.

Holmstrom says new information indicates that two correction personnel have been transported to Salem Hospital to be evaluated.

Investigators say the hazardous materials resulted from bathroom chemicals being combined.