Overview
- Emergency responders were called to Massachusetts General Hospital Wednesday night after a patient arrived with an exposure to a chemical substance and a Hazmat unit was requested shortly after 8:45 p.m.
- Boston police initially reported a mercury spill, but hospital spokespeople later described the incident as a chemical exposure and did not confirm mercury as the cause.
- The Boston Fire Department Hazmat team is on Fruit Street treating the patient on site while Mass General Brigham says the hospital remains open and patient care is uninterrupted.
- Officials have not released details on what caused the exposure or whether anyone was injured or sickened, and reporters say the situation is still under investigation.
- Hazmat responses typically focus on containment, decontamination and clinical treatment, so investigators securing the scene could limit immediate public details and may lead to temporary area restrictions as they assess risks.