Zevenbergen drug factory evacuated after suspected short-circuit, 15 workers treated
A pharmaceutical factory in Zevenbergen was evacuated Monday afternoon after 15 workers developed headaches while producing medication. The issue triggered an emergency response, with multiple ambulances being dispatched to the factory. An investigation into a possible machine short circuit has been launched, BN DeStem reports.
The incident occurred at Brocacef Maatmedicatie on Touwslagerij street. About 70 people were inside the building when emergency services were called at around 12:40 p.m. after reports of a foul, irritating odor in the facility. The employees developed the symptoms while working with a specialized machine used to manufacture medication.
Authorities later concluded that no harmful substances were released from the medication being produced. According to the safety authority, a short circuit likely occurred in the machine that produced the medicines. The malfunction released a plastic smell. "If employees are standing close to that, they can develop symptoms," the spokesperson explains.
The affected workers were treated on-site, and one was transported to the hospital. The building was evacuated shortly afterward as a precaution.
Firefighters conducted air quality measurements inside the building. A spokesperson for the regional safety authority said initial readings showed no abnormal or dangerous levels. Fire crews then ventilated the factory.
The facility was cleared for re-entry at around 1:45 p.m., and employees were allowed back inside. At that point, about 10 workers who were still experiencing symptoms remained outside the building. By around 2:00 p.m., all employees had returned to work.
