Unknown Chemical Release Sends 11 Employees to Local Hospitals

One employee vomited and passed out, and several more had similar symptoms. Fire officials still don't know what chemicals could have made the people sick.

File photo courtesy: astcorp.com

(OREGON CITY) - A strange odor coming from a commercial trash bin led to the evacuation of all employees at the Metro Recycling Plant in Oregon City. Clackamas Fire and Rescue crews responded to the hazardous materials call at 1:40 PM Friday.

Investigators say it began when an employee near the container became nauseous, vomited and lost consciousness. Several other employees complained of similar symptoms and were taken by ambulance to local hospitals for treatment and observation.

Gresham Fire and Rescue's Regional Hazmat Team responded to the scene for further investigation of the possible chemical release.

Determination of specific chemical analysis may take days before results can be positively identified.

Clackamas Fire says no more information is available on the condition of the patients.