17 hospitalized after leak at S. Jersey drug company

Two employees of a South Jersey pharmaceutical company were flown by helicopter to a local hospital after a chemical leak left them with burning sensations in their chests.

Ambulances transported an additional 15 employees of Home Solutions Therapy in Hammonton for emergency treatment, said Hammonton Police Chief Robert Jones.

Employees began to be affected by the irritant about 11:40 a.m. at the Home Solutions facility on North Grand Street, Jones said. Though escaped freon was suspected, Jones said it had not been confirmed.

Emergency crews were inspecting the structure this afternoon in search of the irritant's source and to ensure no one else remained in the building, Jones said.