Deadline nears for Atchison toxic cloud victims

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A deadline is near for those who believe they were victims of a 2016 toxic gas release over the city of Atchison.

A federal prosecutor is urging victims to submit written victim statements by Friday, May 1.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said that sentencing of Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients Inc., is May 27. Both companies pleaded guilty to violating the federal law and each agreed to pay a $1 million fine.

In October 2016, two chemicals were mistakenly mixed to form a cloud of chlorine gas over Atchison.

“We know that 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcros Chemicals sought medical attention at the time,” McAllister said.

Anyone who would like to submit a written victim impact statement for the court’s consideration can email those statements to usaks.victim.witness@usdoj.gov