Acid spill closes part of Las Vegas Strip to traffic

Traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard was shut down Thursday morning after an acid spill in front of Wynn Las Vegas.

Las Vegas police said 200 gallons of sulfuric acid spilled at the entrance of the casino, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South, about 8 a.m. Clark County spokeswoman Stacey Welling said the leak occurred when a pipe broke as a contractor was filling it.

There was “minimal risk” of the acid liquid and fumes spreading because of the cool temperatures, police spokesman Officer Marcus Martin said. Sulfuric acid is not flammable.

Northbound traffic on the Strip was stopped at Spring Mountain Road and southbound traffic lanes were closed at Circus Circus Drive. Westbound traffic on Fashion Show Drive also was closed.

One man was transported to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center after slipping and falling in the acid. His condition was stable, Welling said.

Most of the chemical had been contained by 9 a.m., she said. The streets reopened around noon.

The chemical was being off-loaded for use in the hotel’s “Lake of Dreams” water feature.