Investigators Search for Source of Massachusetts Chemical Leak

Investigators are still trying to determine the source of noxious fumes at a Massachusetts trash disposal facility that sent 119 people to hospitals, including two who were listed in critical condition.

Police and fire officials said as many as 10 people lost consciousness Monday morning after breathing in the fumes at ABC Disposal Service Inc. in New Bedford.

St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford says it received 66 patients. Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River treated 53 patients.

Ed Coletta with the state Department of Environmental Protection says the fumes were caused by trash that was brought in and was being manually sorted.

Investigators are trying to determine what type of chemical was leaked and its source.