UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — On Friday, February 23rd at 12:02 pm, fire, EMS, and police were dispatched to Sharp Packaging Solutions at 7451 Keebler Way for a report of a chemical odor and multiple employees feeling ill, according to a news release from Upper Macungie Township Police Department.
When emergency services arrived at the facility, they were informed that several employees were experiencing nausea, vomiting, and headaches, according to the release. Ambulances from Berks and Northampton counties were dispatched to the scene to assist.
Photo courtesy Mike Nester
As a result of these symptoms, 54 employees were transported to local hospitals for evaluation.
According to WFMZ News, 22 of the people were taken to St. Luke’s hospital in Allentown. All are stable and will be discharged, St. Luke's says.
Brian Downs, a spokesperson for Lehigh Valley Health Network, said Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest admitted more than 20 patients and 10 patients were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, according to a news report from WFMZ.
The building has a total of 154 employees.
An investigation was performed by fire personnel and Lehigh County Special Operations, and no abnormal readings were indicated, according to police.
At this time, there has been no determination as to the cause of the odor.
If new information on this incident becomes available, an updated media release will be posted at www.uppermac.org.
A spokesperson for Sharp released a statement Friday afternoon on the incident:
"We are deeply grateful for the swift and thorough response from local emergency services, and we are currently working closely with local officials to investigate the source of the odor in Building 01 of our Allentown campus. The building’s production floor was shut down and evacuated, and we understand those staff who experienced symptoms are recovering at area hospitals or at home. At this time, Sharp’s Environment Health and Safety leaders and facility management are coordinating with local officials to investigate and address the source of the odor. The Special Operations Team from the County of Lehigh Emergency Management Agency conducted an extensive hazardous materials evaluation of the impact area and found no evidence of any hazardous chemicals or odors. We will remain in contact with local officials and keep our employees informed when we have more to share."