Dozens of guests at a Medford hotel were rushed out of their rooms Tuesday after a powerful chemical odor swept through the property, forcing first responders to declare a hazmat situation and sending two people to the hospital, according to city officials.
The incident unfolded at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boston Medford at Station Landing, listed at 85 Station Landing, according to Marriott.
Response and Investigation
Medford police and fire crews were called in after guests reported a strong chemical smell inside the building. Responders evacuated dozens of guests and cleared multiple rooms while they treated the situation as a hazardous materials incident.
Two people were taken to a hospital for evaluation, according to WHDH. Officials have not released information on the patients’ conditions.
What Officials Have Released
As of Wednesday morning, authorities were keeping a tight lid on specifics. The source of the odor and the extent of any contamination had not been publicly detailed.
"No other details were immediately available," WHDH reported in its initial update on the incident.
Why Responders Take These Calls Seriously
Unidentified chemical odors are no small thing, especially in an enclosed space like a hotel. They can signal substances that irritate the lungs or pose more serious health risks, which is why fire crews do not treat these calls as routine.
Standard protocol is to clear people out first and ask questions later. Federal and workplace safety guidance recommends leaving the area immediately and contacting emergency services while trained hazmat teams use monitoring equipment to determine when a building is safe to reenter, according to OSHA.
This story will be updated when Medford officials or hotel management release more information about what caused the chemical smell and the status of those affected. Anyone who feels unwell after breathing an unfamiliar chemical odor is advised to seek medical attention.
