A routine shift at McCormick and Company’s Hunt Valley facility turned into a serious hazmat scare on Monday after a machine malfunction inside the plant left one person badly hurt and two others with non-life-threatening injuries. Baltimore County Fire crews rushed in, called for a HazMat response, and moved quickly to contain the situation, while stressing there was no danger to the surrounding community.
Fire officials told reporters that the trouble started when a piece of equipment malfunctioned inside the facility, prompting a hazardous materials response and the deployment of a specialized team to check for and contain any potential release, according to WMAR-2 News. The outlet reports that one worker suffered serious injuries and two others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries while crews secured the scene. Fire officials said the incident was under control as investigators began sorting out what went wrong.
McCormick operates several buildings along the Hunt Valley and Sparks business corridor, so local fire and HazMat crews know the area well. In November 2023, a low-level ammonia leak in the 11000 block of McCormick Road prompted another hazmat response but did not pose a public threat, according to WBAL. In those earlier incidents, Baltimore County’s HazMat unit worked alongside state environmental officials to contain any release and investigate the source.
Officials' response and safety
Baltimore County Fire officials said their HazMat team stayed on site to lock down the immediate area and continue checks, and that at the time of their update, there was no risk to nearby neighborhoods, per WMAR-2 News. Crews focused on treating the injured, stabilizing operations inside the facility, and making sure any potential hazard remained contained while investigators examined the failed equipment. Dispatchers asked people to steer clear of the area and follow official channels for any new information.
What’s next
Baltimore County Fire and partner agencies are expected to continue air monitoring and cleanup as needed while investigators work to pinpoint the cause of the malfunction. This story will be updated as soon as authorities or McCormick release additional details.
