A routine Wednesday shift at Greenville’s new Boviet Solar plant turned into a full-blown emergency when dozens of workers suddenly got sick, forcing an evacuation of the production floor and sending at least 18 people to local hospitals. Employees reported dizziness and lightheadedness, and crews quickly escorted staff into the parking lot while hazardous-materials and medical teams rushed in. Officials say they still do not know what made people ill, and testing of the air and environment is ongoing.
According to The Charlotte Observer, Pitt County emergency crews evaluated 28 people and transported 18 of them to ECU Health Medical Center. County officials told the paper that the scare began when two employees first reported feeling unwell around 9:30 a.m., which triggered the broader response. Authorities have not released detailed condition updates for those taken to the hospital.
Emergency response on site
Pitt County responders rolled out a state medical assistance team (SMAT) bus and a regional hazmat unit, with local fire departments backing them up at the scene, according to WITN. Pitt County EMS Coordinator Jim McArthur told the outlet that roughly 200 workers were evacuated from the facility and accounted for once crews swept the building. Hazmat teams used air monitors to check for common industrial gases while medics triaged employees in the parking lot.
Air monitoring and ongoing testing
Initial readings did not offer an obvious culprit. County officials said carbon-monoxide monitors carried by EMS crews showed no hazardous levels, and investigators have not identified any source of carbon monoxide or other dangerous gases, according to The Charlotte Observer. The state regional response team and N.C. Emergency Management noted that environmental conditions inside the building could have played a role, but they have not named a definitive cause. County officials say the case remains under investigation as monitoring and testing continue.
Plant background and reopening
The Boviet Solar facility began limited production in spring 2025 as part of a major state-backed investment promising hundreds of manufacturing jobs, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor. Hoodline previously covered the factory’s Greenville grand opening and the economic hopes locals tied to the project. According to WITN, emergency officials eventually cleared the building and turned the plant back over to company management after completing air monitoring inside the facility.
What happens next
Hazmat crews are expected to work with plant management on any follow-up steps while local health officials keep an eye on workers for lingering or delayed symptoms, according to WECT. Pitt County public information officers have described the situation as fluid and say more details will be released as test results come in and interviews with employees wrap up.
