Aug. 4

New Bedford, Mass., police and hospital officials report at least 55 people were sent to area hospitals just before noon Aug. 3 because of an apparent hazardous chemical spill at ABC Disposal Service Inc., on Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford.

"They transported, unknowingly, some type of container that contained some apparent toxic chemical," a New Bedford, Mass., police spokesman said.

The container holding the chemical apparently spilled or ruptured once it arrived at ABC´s facility, releasing fumes that caused nausea, respiratory distress and dizziness.

The Fire Department helped transport 33 patients to St. Luke´s Hospital -- six by ambulance and 26 by bus. Two of the patients were listed in critical condition in the afternoon.

One emergency medical services worker who responded to the scene also required treatment.

Another 22 victims were sent to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River -- five by ambulance and 17 by bus. All of those patients were reported in good condition.

Hospital personnel, under the direction of the New Bedford Fire Department, decontaminated victims as they arrived.

New Bedford police were investigating, but they were not immediately able to identify the chemical that caused the illnesses nor did they know how it got into the waste stream.

ABC Disposal collects, transports and disposes of more than 200,000 tons of non-hazardous waste annually, according to the company´s Web site.

Company officials could not be reached for comment. Calls to their office were met with a recorded message stating the offices were closed.

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Bruce Geiselman at 330-865-6172 or bgeiselman@crain.com

w w w . w a s t e r e c y c l i n g n e w s . c o m

copyright 2009 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved.