Northwest OKC Business Evacuated Due To Hazmat Situation

EMSA is treating eight patients following a dangerous chemical reaction Thursday afternoon at a northwest Oklahoma City business.

Emergency crews evacuated Macklenburg-Duncan at 4041 N. Santa Fe just before 3 p.m. According to early reports, some chemicals were mixed together and put off a disturbing odor. The odor caused several people to become ill.

Two hazardous materials crews were called to the scene and at least eight people are being treated. Emergency crews say it wil not be necessary to transport any of those treated to the hospital.

Macklenburg-Duncan manufactures flooring and ceiling products.

The company has relased the following statement:

The safety of our employees is without question our highest priority.  Safety is a major emphasis.  Shortly after an employee working in the extrusion area of the plant noticed a small plume of smoke rising, we promptly initiated prescribed internal safety procedures to protect our employees, including the evacuation of the building.  

As part of the process, we immediately alerted the proper local authorities, who dispatched specialists familiar with these types of the situations.   While we are still assessing the situation, we have contacted the appropriate local, state and federal authorities.  As a matter of course, we will conduct an internal review of practices and procedures to determine what can be done in the future to ensure a similar situation doesn't occur again.  

As a precautionary measure, emergency personnel have evaluated employees who worked in the area of our plant where the situation occurred, as well as any other employees who wished to be evaluated.   Emergency personnel did not deem it necessary to transport any of our employees to the hospital.