Sensor detects cyanide leak at aerospace facility near Spokane Airport

SPOKANE, Wash. — UPDATE: Officials at UTC Aerospace Systems released this statement this afternoon after the incident this morning:

“A hydrogen cyanide leak occurred in a furnace in Building 1 of our Spokane facility this morning. The facility manufactures carbon friction material for aircraft carbon brakes. The leak was stopped and no one was injured. The authorities were notified and the building has been evacuated as safety teams work to confirm that the area is safe for employees to return to. The cause of the incident is under investigation.”

ORIGINAL STORY: Crews from Spokane Fire District 3 are on scene monitoring a potential cyanide leak at UTC Aerospace Systems, located at 11135 W Westbow Rd. just south of the Spokane Airport. Officials say a detector in the building sensed cyanide that was produced, but never released.

HAZMAT RESPONSE: Spokane Co. FD3 says crews are continuing to monitor UTC Aerospace, after a detector in the building sensed cyanide. They say it was produced, never released – it’s contained. The response is a precaution. @kxly4news pic.twitter.com/7uvuGwHAEN

— Nikki Torres KXLY (@NikkiKXLY) October 22, 2018

The situation has been contained and no injuries were reported.

The company has around 120 employees who are staying in place as part of the building’s safety procedure. About 15 employees evacuated the building, but are still on-site.

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