Caesars pavilion evacuated after chemical scare

Wednesday, June 27, 2001 | 11:02 a.m.

BRIDGEPORT, Ind. -- A casino complex was partially evacuated after dish detergent containing sodium hydroxide reacted with an aluminum pan and gave off hydrogen fumes.

Firefighters evacuated about 500 patrons and employees from the pavilion area of Caesar's Glory of Rome complex shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday. People on the adjacent riverboat casino were kept aboard until after midnight.

The chemical reaction occurred in the employee kitchen of the pavilion, said Deputy Chief Chris Rainbolt of the New Albany Fire Department.

"It ate a hole in the aluminum pan," he said.

A female employee experienced breathing problems and was taken to University Hospital in nearby Louisville, Ky., Rainbolt said.

"For one little gallon of dishwashing liquid, it sure ended up being a major incident," Rainbolt said.

The complex is owned by Park Place Entertainment Corp. of Las Vegas.

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