Hazmat Situation Forces Evacuation in Carteret

Carteret, NJ - An industrial area in Carteret had to be evacuated at 2 a.m. Tuesday after four chemical storage drums ruptured and were leaking fumes. Several firefighters had to be taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to be treated for exposure-related issues.

At approximately 2:09 a.m. Tuesday, the Carteret Fire Department responded to Port Carteret Drive for a report of a chemical spill in a 500,000-sq. ft. plant operated by Vanguard Logistics Services, according to Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman, who posted about the incident on Facebook. The property is owned by Freeport McMoRan, according to Mayor Reiman.

Upon arrival, it was discovered that a chemical storage drum had ruptured and the contents of 3 others had become unstable and were emitting fumes. The Carteret Fire Department cooled the drums and the entire surrounding area to stabilize the product, Reiman said. They also shut down Port Carteret Drive and evacuated the adjacent commercial facilities as a precaution. Mutual aid from surrounding municipalities was also called in. Several firefighters required medical treatment after they were exposed to the fumes, just as a precaution.

Middlesex County Hazmat and representatives of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection were also called in. The area is now safe, Mayor Reiman said.

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