A chemical spill closed an eight-block stretch of 2100 South for almost three hours Friday, sending police and hazardous material teams scrambling to contain the leak.

A large drum containing a mild potassium hydroxide solution apparently began leaking from the bed of a mid-size box truck about 5:30 p.m., dumping nearly 250 gallons across westbound lanes near 3200 West."We don't know how the material got out of the truck yet," said Salt Lake Fire spokesman Jeff Rylee.

Police closed the the road from the spill sight to 4000 West while crews from several fire and road agencies sanded the spilled chemical and swept it to the side of the road.

The sand is expected to be removed Saturday, said Rylee.

Although potassium hydroxide is highly caustic in concentrated form, officials said the solution spilled Friday contained only 6 percent of the alkaline compound.

A Utah Highway Patrol trooper and the truck's driver were reportedly examined by doctors after complaining of some minor discomforts.

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"We sent (them) to the hospital as a precautionary measure - just a little irritation to breathing and some tingling sensation to the skin," said Rylee.

Residents living in surrounding areas were not evacuated.

Diluted potassium hydroxide is frequently used to prevent corrosion in pipes, reduce acidity in water and as a cleaning base.

The spill is being investigated by the Utah Highway Patrol.

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