Chemical spill forces evacuation of 1,000 people in Mojave Desert town

YERMO, California (CNN) -- At least 1,000 people have been evacuated in the Mojave Desert town of Yermo after a chemical spill mixed hydrochloric acid and jet fuel at a Union Pacific rail yard.

Hazardous material crews were working overnight at the scene to try to contain the spill. Authorities said it is expected to be under control and the evacuees allowed to return to their homes by late Friday morning or early afternoon.

The 3,000 gallons of hazardous material spilled about 6 p.m. Thursday when two workers were transferring the acid from a truck into a rail tanker that already contained jet fuel, said Gloria Street, communications manager for Desert Communications.

The two workers were taken to Victor Valley Hospital, where they were in stable condition after being treated for respiratory problems associated with the toxic fumes, Street said.

Evacuations within a one-mile radius of the rail yard began about 9:30 p.m. PST. Between 1,000 and 1,200 residents were being evacuated overnight and taken to Silver Valley High School, Street said.

Yermo is a small town located just north of Barstow in the Mojave Desert.

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