Leaking can of bear mace hospitalizes 2 individuals in Millinocket
Two individuals have been hospitalized Tuesday after a punctured can of bear mace crammed a Millinocket residence, inflicting the occupants respiration hassle and eye irritation.
Three individuals from the single-family residence on Colony Place have been evacuated, and two of them have been taken to a close-by hospital, Orono’s Public Security Director Geoff Low mentioned. It’s unclear whether or not they have been launched.
Individuals from 5 close by properties have been evacuated as a precaution whereas companies labored to determine what was responsible for the chemical leak, Low mentioned. Residents of three different properties have been requested to shelter in place.
Milliocket’s hearth division acquired a name concerning the chemical leak, then requested Orono’s hazmat workforce for help about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Low mentioned.
Readings have been inconclusive and confirmed oxidizer, which is a standard substance present in bleach and drain cleaners. A industrial drain cleansing firm had lately been within the residence, he mentioned. Companies thought of a variety of gear that might have triggered the chemical leak, together with explosives and illicit drug manufacturing, he mentioned.
“We known as lots of people in to help as a result of it was onerous to get a great learn,” he mentioned. “Finally we went in and located a big can of bear mace that was punctured sooner or later and was filling the home with chemical irritants.”
With an agent like bear mace, it’s advisable that mattresses, pillows and another furnishings be thrown away as a result of they take up chemical compounds and other people might be uncovered once more, Low mentioned. Clothes can normally be washed, he mentioned.
“As I perceive, the entire home was filled with the agent, so it’s unclear how a lot they’ll be capable to salvage,” he mentioned.
