1 dead after mixture of commercial cleaner, bleach creates hazmat emergency

JACKSON, Tenn. — Hazardous materials in the Hub City lead to multiple injuries and a significant emergency response.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Large emergency presence in east Jackson neighborhood

What started as a medical call quickly turned into a dangerous hazmat emergency, sending first responders and residents to the hospital.

At approximately 5:40 Wednesday evening, Jackson Fire Department (JFD) units and medical center EMS were dispatched to 88 Holland Avenue for a report of an unresponsive patient.

“Once they got on scene, they got to the patient, started treatment, and very quickly realized that there was a chemical odor in the air,” said Melissa Nelson, community risk reduction specialist with the Jackson Fire Department.

First responders quickly conducted an emergency evacuation, removing both the patient and themselves from the dangerous situation. Fire Marshall LaTrell Billingsley shares more on the cause of the chemical reaction.

“The individuals were encountering—I think they had some plumbing issues or piping issues, a clog in their toilet, and they attempted to get the clog out using some commercial grade pipe cleaners or clog removers,” said Billingsley.

Afterwards, one of the residents used bleach in the same area which triggered the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere.

Once outside the home, several first responders began experiencing symptoms of chemical exposure.

“Once they realized that it was a hazmat situation, they called for one of our ladder trucks, our hazmat team, and the battalion chief,” said Nelson.

A large emergency presence could be seen Wednesday night. According to a press release, JFD confirms 12 people were transported to the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital for treatment.

This includes five firefighters, one fire medic, four EMS paramedics, and two residents of the home.

“All individuals who were transported to the hospital have been released and are expected to make a full recovery,” said Billingsley.

The unresponsive patient was pronounced dead. Officials urge the public of the extreme dangers of mixing household cleaning products.

JFD informs residents that combining bleach with acid-based drain cleaners or ammonia can create highly toxic gases, which can be fatal.

Always follow manufacturer instructions and never use multiple chemical products in a single drain.

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