Investigators continue to probe Mass. fume leak

[August 04, 2009]  NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) -- Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused toxic fumes at a New Bedford trash disposal facility, sending more than 100 people to the hospital.

Officials say 119 people were sent to hospitals in New Bedford and Fall River after the unknown vapors overcame workers as well as police and EMTs at ABC Disposal Service Inc. just after 10 a.m. Monday.

Five people were admitted, two of them in critical condition. Symptoms included nausea, respiratory distress and dizziness.

Local, state and federal investigators were expected back on the scene Tuesday.

Officials say the fumes were caused by trash that was being manually sorted.

Chief Ron Teachman says police will treat the incident as a criminal investigation until they can determine it was an accident.

[Associated Press]

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