TAR HEEL — The Smithfield Packing Plant in Tar Heel has allowed its employees to return to the facility after being evacuated because of an early morning chemical reaction.

According to Bradley Kinlaw, Bladen County Emergency Services director, the employees returned at 8:15 a.m. today

At about 3:30 a.m., a chemical reaction occurred between sodium hypochlorite and acid during a cleaning process. The chemical was contained inside the building. All employees were evacuated as well as several homes nearby for precautionary measures. Residents were allowed back in their homes at about 4:30 a.m.

Seven employees were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries.

Kinlaw said the incident appeared to be accidental.

Units responding included Tar Heel FD, Tobermory FD, Dublin FD, Elizabethtown FD, White Oak FD, Bladenboro FD, Tar Heel EMS, Bladenboro EMS, Bladen Co EMS, Cape Fear Valley EMS, Robeson EMS, Bladen SO, NCSHP, Bladen Co Emergency Management, Cumberland Co Emergency Management, NC Emergency Management, and Fayetteville FD (Haz-Mat).