A hazardous materials scare at a pharmaceutical packaging plant in Congers sent nearby residents out of their homes Wednesday morning while emergency crews locked down the area. Town officials set up a temporary shelter for evacuated neighbors as first responders worked to secure the scene.
Police order evacuation near 125 Wells Avenue
The response focused on Vitane Pharmaceuticals at 125 Wells Avenue in Congers, the address listed on the company’s own Vitane Pharmaceuticals site. According to Daily Voice, the Clarkstown Police Department issued an emergency alert at about 9:42 a.m. directing residents in the immediate area to evacuate and avoid Wells Avenue and Brenner Drive while relocating. Officials designated the Congers Community Center as a temporary shelter for those forced to leave.
What we know about the facility
The Vitane Pharmaceuticals website describes its Congers location at 125 Wells Avenue as a contract packaging and manufacturing operation for nutraceuticals and supplements. The company’s presence at the site has already drawn local scrutiny, with the Rockland County Business Journal previously reporting on a series of lawsuits involving the Congers property, including a foreclosure action.
Who is responding
Industrial hazmat calls in Rockland County are typically handled by a mix of local volunteer fire companies and Rockland County Fire & Emergency Services. The county’s fire page lists the Congers Fire Department among local units and directs residents to county alert systems. For chemical incidents, specialized hazmat teams and mutual-aid resources are brought in to secure the scene and protect nearby homes and businesses.
How to stay informed
Officials are urging residents to rely on verified government channels for updates. New Yorkers can enroll in statewide alerts by text or email through the emergency sign-up page at alert.ny.gov. Locals are also advised to monitor police announcements and town notices and to follow all directions from first responders while the situation remains active.
Details still limited
Authorities have not yet released information about what triggered the hazmat response or whether anyone was injured, and they say more details will be shared as they become available. Daily Voice reported that officials had not provided additional specifics at the time of its coverage.
This is a developing story, and Hoodline will update as Clarkstown and Rockland County officials release more information.
