Durham police say several people have been injured in a chemical spill at a company in Clarington.

Police say a tanker truck with nitrous oxide was being drained at Detox Environmental on Bennett Road Thursday afternoon when a reaction occurred as it came in contact with another chemical.

The chemical activity resulted in a smoke release inside the building which escaped into the environment.

 About 30 employees at Detox were evacuated, as were employees of a nearby forklift company.

Several Detox employees were injured after inhaling spilled chemicals and two were sent to Bowmanville Hospital, one with
serious injuries.

A hazardous materials team is decontaminating the area and police have closed roads in the area as well as the off-ramp from Highway 401.

(Canadian Press)