UPDATED: Earlier Thursday- Hazmat Incident

 

(WBOC)

POCOMOKE CITY, MD - A Hazmat incident at the RICCA Chemical Company in Pocomoke required emergency personnel responses from both Worcester and Wicomico Counties Thursday.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office said Broad Street where the chemical company is located between Pocomoke Beltway and 8th Street was closed due to the incident on Thursday, January 25th, though police assured neighbors it was contained. 

Due to precautionary measures, the Sheriff’s Office says elementary and middle school students were being kept inside the schools. 

Police asked neighbors in the area to limit outside activity at this time. 

The Pocomoke City Police Department was also on the scene, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

As of about 2 p.m. Thursday, the Pocomoke City Police Department said the area had been deemed safe and Broad Street had been reopened.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional announced they were working with the Salisbury Fire Department on an active decontamination situation at the ambulance entrance outside the Salisbury hospital in connection with the incident.

According to TidalHealth, three civilians were being treated following a chemical explosion in Pocomoke. None of the injuries are life-threatening, according to the hospital. Salisbury Fire Chief Rob Frampton tells WBOC 6-7 EMS responders were also being treated for exposure.

Normal emergency department operations are continuing at the hospital, TidalHealth says.

(delmarvanow.com photo:)

(Earlier reports from law enforcement:)

Pocomoke City Police Dept:

On the 25th of January, 2024, officers responded to Broad Street in reference to a hazardous material exposure. Hazardous Material Experts have since arrived with the officers and the situation is currently being handled. We would like to assure the public there is no immediate threat to the public or community.

Thank you.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office:

(1/25/24) 

Hazmat Incident on Broad St in Pocomoke City, MD

Law Enforcement is advising a hazmat incident on Broad Street in Pocomoke City, MD. This road is closed between Pocomoke Beltway and 8th Street. This hazmat incident is contained, however, due to precautionary reasons the elementary and middle school students are being kept inside. Law Enforcement are also asking neighborhoods in the surrounding areas to limit outside activity during this time. Pocomoke City Police Department is handling this incident.