SALISBURY — At approximately 12:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, a 200,000-gallon water tank between Henkel Corporation and Nouryon Surface Chemistry imploded, resulting in a level 2 hazardous material incident.

According to officials, when the water tank imploded on itself, it damaged a Piedmont Natural Gas natural gas line and a 500,000-gallon diesel fuel line, causing leaks in both. The gas line has since been repaired and all leaks are contained to the site.

Salisbury Fire Department, Salisbury/Rowan hazmat and Rowan County Emergency services initially responded then issued calls for assistance from surrounding departments, including Kannapolis and Mooresville hazmat teams, and backup coverage for the city for other calls. The command center for the incident was set up at Henkel.

Both companies said all employees, who were all evacuated, were accounted for.

When it was confirmed there was a natural gas leak, according to Rowan County Emergency Services Chief TJ Brown, it was decided crews needed to let PNG address the leak before sending any personnel in to further evaluate. Once that leak was addressed, it became safer to get inside and determine the extent of other damages.

Brown said emergency services also worked with the FAA to detour air traffic around the site because of concerns of a possible vapor cloud over the area.

A strong odor of gas was noticeable at the scene but little was visible from the road. Anyone in the area was asked to move away because of possible problems from the chemical leaks. In addition, Cedar Springs Road was barricaded as of 3:45 p.m. to through traffic as crews continued to work on containment.