Residents return to homes after chemicals found at Marlboro apartment complex

MARLBORO — Hazmat and bomb squad crews evacuated a Marlboro apartment complex after first responders discovered unknown chemicals while responding to a medical emergency Tuesday night.

A man who lives on the third floor of the Sheffield Court Apartments on Boston Post Road called 911 himself.

“Our crews went in to treat the victim and found a large amount of unidentified, unlabeled chemicals,” said Marlboro Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Gogan. “It’s dangerous when you don’t know what it is.”

Some substances were liquid and others were powder. 

“They were in various containers, everywhere in the apartment,” Gogan said. “Some labeled, some unlabeled, some opened, some closed.”   

Residents were finally allowed to return home Wednesday evening. 

Stephen McGovern is one of the many people who were temporarily displaced. “The first thing you think is like a drug lab,” said McGovern. “But it’s actually a pretty good place. Neighbors know each other.”

The person who called 911 is still at the hospital. Hazmat crews are still trying to figure out what these chemicals are.

“We’re again, methodically, going through the the process of identifying what they are with the instruments we have and that leads us to how we can remove and dispose of those materials,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey.

Around 10 families were displaced for the night. McGovern said he feels grateful for how professional, calm and cautious the first responders were.

“It’s a slow-motion fire where they’re coming to rescue you, except they’re going in to put themselves in harm’s way and we’re already out,” McGovern said. “It was something.”

The FBI is assisting State Police in this investigation. As of early Wednesday night, it’s too soon to tell whether criminal charges will be filed against anyone.