3 reported critical after Mass. chemical leak

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) - August 3, 2009 New Bedford Fire Chief Paul Leger says firefighters responded to ABC Disposal Service Inc. just after 10 a.m. for a report that something brought to the facility was making people sick. He says the victims were treated for respiratory problems.

The victims were decontaminated by a hazardous materials team on site before being taken to hospitals.

One hospital says it received 33 patients, three of whom are in critical condition. Twenty-two more victims were taken to another hospital and are listed in good condition.

The cause of the chemical leak remains under investigation.

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