An incident at the Robbinsville Amazon warehouse injured more than 50 workers and left one employee in critical condition Wednesday morning.
First responders treated roughly 54 employees at the Amazon fulfillment center Dec. 5 after an aerosol can of bear spray discharged inside the building, according to a statement from township spokesperson John Nalbone.
The workers had difficultly breathing and experienced a burning sensation in their eyes and throat, Nalbone said.
24 employees were transported to local hospitals for treatment, and additional employees were treated at the scene. One person is in critical condition.
Doug Davidson of West Windsor Health Department said an automated machine punctured a nine-ounce can of bear repellent. The repellent had a highly concentrated amount Capsaicin, which produces a burning sensation when mammals come in contact with it.
The Robbinsville Fire Department has cleared the building for re-entry, and there is no threat to area residents.
Robbinsville EMS was at the fulfillment center, located on New Canton Way, doing triage and evaluating workers. Employees were transported to five hospitals: Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton, Capital Health Hopewell, Capital Health Regional, St. Francis Medical Center and Princeton Medical Center.
This story has been updated with additional information from Robbinsville Township about the number of people affected and their condition. We will continue to update the story as more information becomes available.
