Chemical Reaction Evacuates Park Street House, Five Officers Evaluated at Hospital

Several Marlborough Police officers experienced breathing problems and were taken to a hospital for evaluation, following exposure to gas caused by a combination of ammonia and bleach Monday night.

The incident, reported about 9:11 p.m., was a result of the two chemicals being combined in an apartment on Park Street, according to police and fire officials. Police had responded to the apartment for a well-being check on the tenant, according to the police log.

Fire Chief James Fortin said Tuesday five officers were evaluated at the emergency room, after inhaling a gas that had been created by the combination of the two liquid chemicals. The officers were not hospitalized overnight.

When firefighters responded, both occupied apartments in the building were evacuated for two hours, Fortin said. A regional hazardous materials team was called out and removed the substance.