Several people in Elizabeth were sickened Tuesday after a worker dismantling a pressurized tank of an unknown substance damaged the container, releasing a cloud of gas.

Fire officials say between 40 and 50 people are being decontaminated near the site of the accident on North Avenue East. City Fire Director Onofrio Vitullo said he did not believe any of the injuries is life threatening. However, he said it is still unclear how many of those being decontaminated might also require medical treatment.

Police closed most roads leading to and from the area, an industrial section near Port Elizabeth.