29 people sickened, 9 hospitalized after hazmat incident at Calif. plant
First responders attended to victims in an impromptu triage area outside the Ontario plant
Nancy Dillon
New York Daily News
ONTARIO, Calif. — Nine people were hospitalized Thursday due to a hazardous materials incident at a commercial building in Ontario, Calif., officials said.
The incident at a Philips North American facility that makes oral healthcare products affected at least 29 people total, the Ontario Fire Department said.
OFD Hazmat and multiple units are on scene of a hazmat incident in the 1700 Blk of S Baker. 29 patients total with 9 transported to local area hospitals. Please avoid the area for the next few hours. pic.twitter.com/JMHaTRW2U6
— Ontario Fire Dept. (@OntarioFireDept) February 4, 2021
The incident caused breathing issues for victims, but none of the injuries were considered life-threatening, The Press-Enterprise said in a report that cited Ontario Fire Department Battalion Chief Scot Roeber.
Video from ABC7 showed ambulances and first responders attending to victims at an impromptu triage area outside the plant at 1700 S. Baker Ave.
Several employees were seen sitting outside wrapped in blankets, according to video from NBC Los Angeles.
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Baker Incident final-28 patients total. 9 transported to local hospitals with respiratory irritation. None life threatening. Multiple hazmat survey entries made but irritant had not been identified. Building is clear of contaminates now but further investigation is necessary. pic.twitter.com/WLDph68q34
— Ontario Fire Dept. (@OntarioFireDept) February 4, 2021
