Chemical spill at Central Kentucky factory contained, all clear given
A chemical spill at a Central Kentucky factory has been contained and there is no further risk for the public, according to Maj. Brent Wilson with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened around 1 p.m. at a commercial construction factory on Paris Bypass Road. Wilson said multiple agencies, including officials from Lexington, responded to the factory to help with the spill.
Around 4 p.m., Wilson said the spill had been contained and the all clear message was given. No other information about the spill was immediately available.
The incident prompted Cane Ridge Elementary School to evacuate, according to a Facebook post from the school.
“Following a direct recommendation from the Paris Fire Department, we are evacuating our school building and moving to Legion Park,” said the message posted before 2:40 p.m.
School officials said students and staff were safe. Parents and school buses were poised to pick up students from the park.
“Please note that the bypass is currently shut down due to the spill,” the social media post said before the all clear was given.
There were conflicting social media reports about which factory the spill originated from.
Lexington Fire Department spokesperson Derek Roberts told the Herald-Leader Monday night that Lexington hazmat crews were requested to help Paris Fire Department and the Paris Public Works department with monitoring and potential ventilation of a rainwater sewer. Roberts didn’t immediately have the company name.
“This afternoon, a serious and unexpected event occurred in our community that required immediate action.” a Bourbon County Schools Facebook post said Monday. “While no emergency response is ever completely perfect, we are incredibly grateful for how quickly and efficiently Cane Ridge stepped up. Thanks to their amazing organization, we were able to execute a swift evacuation and a highly coordinated dismissal for our students.”
This is a developing story and may be updated.
This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 3:53 PM.