Chemical reaction at Freeport Home Depot injures 13 people, shuts down store
Thirteen people were exposed to the vapors and evaluated for inhalation-related injuries.
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Thirteen people had to be evaluated for exposure issues Wednesday after a pallet of household cleaning products fell and triggered a chemical reaction inside the Home Depot in Freeport, according to the Nassau County Fire Marshals Office.
Emergency crews were called to the store on Sunrise Highway around 1:45 p.m. after multiple 911 callers reported a chemical reaction making people sick.
Fire officials say a pallet containing household cleaning chemicals fell approximately 20 feet, causing several bottles to break apart. They say the spilled products — including chlorine, bleach and vinegar — mixed together and created a harmful vapor.
Thirteen people were exposed to the vapors and evaluated for inhalation-related injuries. Ten of those exposed were transported to Mount Sinai South Nassau and Nassau University Medical Center.
Officials said the chemical spill was contained, and there is no ongoing threat to public health or the environment.
The Home Depot is expected to be closed for the remainder of the day as hazardous materials crews work to make the air stable in the building and ensure it is safe for re-entry.
The Freeport Fire Department was assisted by eight mutual-aid ambulance crews, and roughly 40 firefighters responded to the incident.
