SECAUCUS – Shoppers were evacuated from Kohl’s Department Store on Mill Creek Drive in Secaucus on Sunday, Dec. 20 after numerous people reported that noxious fumes were making them sick.
At 9:03 p.m. the Secaucus Fire Department, Secaucus Police Department, and Meadowlands Hospital EMS were called to Kohl’s for a report of people overcome from an unknown airborne substance. Upon arrival emergency responders located 14 people (four employees, 10 customers) with similar symptoms: sore throat and difficulty breathing. EMS monitored the patients until a Jersey City Fire Department Hazmat Team could enter the building with meters to test the environment. All tests came back negative for any hazardous materials.
A total of six victims were treated by EMS at the scene. Six more were transported to Meadowlands Hospital. All were treated and released. The other two victims refused medical assistance.
The store reopened at 11 p.m. after emergency responders left the scene. Kohl’s is staying open 24 hours a day until Christmas.
The source has not yet been identified and the incident is still under investigation. The police department and Kohl’s personnel are checking security cameras and interviewing witnesses.
Assisting at the scene were Secaucus OEM, Jersey City Fire Department, Jersey City Medical Center, Hudson Regional Health Commission, and Moonachie EMS. Union City and Rutherford EMS were placed on standby.
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