A spokeswoman said more than 1000 litres of the chemical had been spilled. A St John spokesman said five people were treated at the scene and none were taken to hospital. Owens Transport branch manager Nick Max said the yard was evacuated after the spill happened.
John Kirk-Anderson/Stuff He said all staff were safe and healthy, but declined to comment further. Nitric acid is a highly corrosive mineral acid, commonly used for producing fertiliser and as an explosive. Inhaling nitric acid fumes can cause immediate lung irritation and pain, as well as shortness of breath, which can last for weeks.