Mass. Chemical Leak Sends 26 To Hospital

A spokeswoman for the state Fire Marshal's Office says six people fell unconscious and 26 people were transported to hospitals following exposure to unknown fumes at a New Bedford trash disposal company.

Ed Colleta, a spokesman for the state Dpartment of Environmental Protection says at least one victim is in critical condition.

Chief Paul Leger says firefighters responded to ABC Disposal Service Inc. just after 10 a.m. on Monday to a report that something that had been brought to the facility was making people sick. He said the victims were treated for respiratory problems.

The victims were decontaminated by a hazardous materials team on site before being taken to area hositals.

The cause of the chemical leak remains under investigation. The leak was declared a Tier 4 haz-mat incident, but authorities said the leak was contained at the facility.