JUNE 5, 2015
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY
Ten patients in a Manchester MRI clinic, including two
pregnant women, are recovering after exposure to a chemical described as being
toxic if absorbed through skin.
The spill forced the evacuation of the building and closure
for several hours.
Most are being released from Community Medical Center within
a matter of hours of this morning’s episode, but some are being retained for
observation, according to information from the office of Ocean County
Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato. No identities were disclosed.
Investigators responding at about 9:40 AM to a report of a
chemical explosion at Shore Imaging on Route 70 learned, after arriving, that
the fluid, about a gallon of nickel chloride hexahydrate, leaked from a cracked
container, authorities said.
Emergency responders at Manchester chemical spill
(Manchester PD)
The chemical is used during monthly tests on the imaging
equipment and is usually stored at room temperature, authorities said. The
container, called a phantom, was placed in a freezer in the belief that it
would contribute to clearer scan images.
Additional information from Manchester Police indicates that
one worker had direct contact with the chemical while toting the leaky
container through the building. They did not disclose the employee’s identity.
The initial report of an explosion drew response from
Manchester police and firefighters. The Berkeley Township hazardous materials
unit, Stafford Fire Department decontamination squad and Point Pleasant firefighters
tended the patients at risk of exposure.
Detective Mitchell Remig of the Prosecutor’s major crime
unit assembled the chain of events through interviews with employees who were
brought to the medical center in Toms River.
Source: http://wobm.com