Lima Refining Company is responding to a release of gasoline vapors from a tank vent, which contributed to benzene readings in an isolated area for a short time. Shawnee Township Fire Department and EMA are on the scene. As a precautionary measure, community members were asked to avoid Buckeye Road. That road has since been opened. There may be an odor; local air quality is being monitored. There are no detectable readings at this time. There has been no directive from local authorities or Lima Refinery to alter daily activities. Activities can continue as normal. “There is no shelter-in-place order, no danger to the public,” stated Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller.

The first crash occurred around 3 PM on the Metcalf Street railway bridge. Officials say a car and a motorcycle collided with one person being taken to the hospital for non life-threatening injuries. A second crash occurred around 8:30 PM just south of the Paul Street and Metcalf Street intersection.

There was a benzene release from the Lima Husky Refinery this week. A Husky Energy official in Canada has confirmed an incident at the Husky Lima Refinery.