SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA) – Emergency and hazmat crews are on scene at the Tyson plant in Springdale, according to Captain Matt Bagley with Springdale Fire Department.
Captain Bagley says an industrial cleaning product was spilled outside the plant. The product was quickly contained and no product was released into the atmosphere or groundwater.
Four to five patients were taken to the hospital. Springdale fire said that patients were decontaminated before being taken to the hospital.
The Tyson plant is located at 600 Berry Street.
Bagley says that a cause of the spill has yet to be determined and that Tyson will look into the cause.
Tyson released this statement to KNWA:
“We’re investigating an incident involving a cleaning material that happened outside our Berry St. poultry plant in Springdale this morning. Five team members were transported to an area hospital to be evaluated. We’re thankful for the quick response of Springdale emergency services who helped us address the situation.”
Statement from Northwest Medical Center-Springdale:
The Emergency Department at Northwest Medical Center-Springdale received five patients this morning who had been exposed to a cleaning agent while at work. One patient was treated and released while four have been admitted. One is in critical condition, another in serious, and two are in fair condition.
“Our staff trains regularly and works very closely with our community partners, first responders and employers to be prepared for situations like this,” said Hans Driessnack, CEO of Northwest Medical Center-Springdale. “We are very grateful to the response teams at Tyson and the Springdale Fire Department and EMS for their excellent work at the scene of the incident. I am particularly proud of our Emergency Department team for their outstanding response and collaborative approach. Our entire staff remains singularly focused on providing the best possible care for each of the individuals impacted.”
