*UPDATED* Burlington Fire Department Responds to Hazmat Incident at Buffalo Wild Wings Where Employee Died
Interim Chief Michael Patterson
21 Center St.
Burlington, MA 01803
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019
Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]
Burlington Fire Department Responds to Hazmat Incident at Buffalo Wild Wings Where Employee Died
10 Others Hospitalized in Incident
BURLINGTON — Interim Chief Michael Patterson reports that the Burlington Fire and Police Departments have responded to a serious hazardous material incident at Buffalo Wild Wings Thursday night where an employee died after being exposed to a strong cleaning agent.
A male employee was taken Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in serious condition after being exposed to a strong cleaning agent. The man later died at the hospital. As of 10 p.m., at least 10 other people have checked themselves into the hospital as a result of the incident.
Nine people checked themselves in at Lahey Hospital and a 10th person self-checked into a Lowell-area hospital. The patients included both restaurant employees and patrons. Their conditions included difficulty breathing and burning feelings in the eyes.
Anyone who was in the restaurant at the time and believes they may be impacted by the incident should seek medical treatment immediately.
At 5:36 p.m., the Burlington Fire Department responded to Buffalo Wild Wings, 15 South Ave. for a report of a chemical reaction in the kitchen area.
Upon arrival, firefighters came upon a male employee who was suffering from nausea after it is believed that he breathing in fumes from the cleaning agent. The man was taken by ambulance to the hospital in serious condition and later died.
Firefighters evacuated the building and a Tier 1 hazardous material response was called for.
A state hazardous materials response team entered the building around 9:30 p.m. The building will likely be turned over to management later this evening and a cleanup crew will be called to clean the building.
The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Burlington Fire and Police Departments, with assistance from the state Department of Fire Services and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
At this time, there is no active threat to public safety.
The Bedford Fire Department responded to provide mutual aid along with Armstrong Ambulance. The Burlington Board of Health was also on scene.
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