Lightning hits Rumford paper mill, setting off chlorine leak

RUMFORD FALLS TIMES • June 2, 2023

A lightning strike at the ND Paper mill Friday afternoon caused a power outage that led to a chlorine gas leak, Fire Chief Chris Reed said. There were no injuries and the mill was back in full operation by early evening, he said. “I believe they took a direct strike,” he said, pinpointing the time at 3:42 p.m., adding that the rest of the town never lost power. A hazmat team and firefighters responded and the mill was evacuated immediately.