Berkeley HAZMAT Unit, Officials Clear Area With Chemical Leak

BERKELEY, N.J. — Officials, including the Berkeley police HAZMAT unit, cleared a smoky and potentially dangerous situation Thursday by the Holiday City Clubhouse, police said.

A possibly hazardous material involving many gallons of pool chlorine leaked on an electrical apparatus, which likely caused the smoke, officials said. No injuries were reported, and the 631 Jamaica Blvd. area was deemed safe at 4:15 p.m.

Berkeley police responded to the situation at 10:50 a.m. Thursday. The local area was evacuated. Officials closed the surrounding roads.

As the situation developed with potential for a larger impact, other units from surrounding towns responded. Officials mitigated the threat of a larger leak or contamination.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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