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Chemical Spill Evacuates Merck Building In Boston

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Apr 16, 2009 12:36 pm US/Eastern

Chemical Spill Evacuates Merck Building In Boston

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Emergency crews responded to a level 3 hazmat situation at the Merck Research Laboratories building at 33 Louis Pasteur Ave. in Boston Thursday morning.

Boston Fire Deputy Chief Joseph Fleming tells WBZ's Eileen Curran that two people working for a waste removal company came into the building to pick up and dispose of already-used chemicals in a storage room. Somehow the chemicals mixed or spilled and the two workers said they heard a small pop and saw a little explosion. "There was a reaction," said Fleming. "Something caused a minor popping… a little flame."

Fleming said the two workers ran out of the room and closed the door, which sealed the area. "Right now, it has been contained to the room, but eventually we are going to have to go in and see if there is any damage," said Fleming.

Both waste removal workers were able to escape without injury.

All 350 people inside the building were safely evacuated, thanks to the two waste removal workers, Fleming explained. "They were smart. They closed the door behind them, which pretty much seals off the material, chemicals from the rest of the building. Then they called us."

A nearby Emmanuel College building was also evacuated safely.

The Merck building is located in the Longwood medical area near Children's Hospital. The Merck research facility develops and discovers medicines for cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

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