More Than 20 Treated After Second Monmouth County Courthouse Evacuation

Police and emergency responders are on the scene at the Monmouth County Courthouse after it was evacuated due to multiple employees falling ill. 

Employees evacuated the building for the second time in two business days. The building .

The building was evacuated again today at about 1 p.m., and completely closed through tomorrow. A hospital spokesperson told News 12 at least 25 people are being treated at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, where a decontamination tent has been set up for patients from the courthouse.

After several employees in the in Freehold reported feeling ill on Friday, the building was cleaned over the weekend. The employees reportedly experienced a variety of symptoms including shortness of breath, nausea, chest pain, heart palpitation, rash and dizziness.

A total of 17 employees reported feeling ill while working on the first floor of the west wing on Friday according to a press release from the county.

Today, there are officers guarding all entrances of the building. Responders have set-up a large, orange, chute from a 3rd floor window on the east wing.

The office of emergency management and the Monmouth EMS Task force are on the scene with a first aid bus. Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold, Howell, Farmingdale and Monoc first aids all responded to the scene of the hazmat incident.

An employee who requested not to be identified said the building is closed today and Tuesday, tentatively through Wednesday.