HUDSON — The Hudson Fire Department and mutual aid partners responded to a Mass Casualty Incident at an industrial business on Thursday morning and transported 16 people to area hospitals.
On Thursday, Aug. 13, at 8:47 a.m., the Hudson Fire Department responded to an industrial business on Parmenter Road after employees activated a fire alarm pull station.
On arrival, firefighters found numerous employees reporting serious illness, dizziness, eye irritation, and other symptoms. Arriving crews declared a Mass Casualty Incident and requested multiple ambulances. A total of 16 patients were transported to three hospitals in eight ambulances.
Firefighters made entry to conduct atmospheric monitoring inside the building and believe a chemical process contributed to illnesses. Chief Jamie Desautels requested a state Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team with specialized training, meters, and equipment to assist in this process.
The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Special Operations team delivered a Rehab unit to support firefighters’ health and safety in the heat.
Firefighters from Marlborough provided mutual aid at the scene, and firefighters from Stow handled a medical emergency in town while the incident was ongoing. Firefighters from Maynard and Berlin covered Hudson fire stations.
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