Happi Staff11.08.19
An employee of a Buffalo Wild Wings in Burlington, Massachusetts died and 10 others were hospitalized Thursday night after reportedly being exposed to a floor cleaner inside the restaurant.
Just after 5:30 p.m. Thursday, emergency responders in Burlington were called to the restaurant following the report of a "sick individual and a potential chemical release," interim fire chief Michael Patterson told reporters.
Patterson said the fire department arrived and found a man being treated by paramedics outside of the restaurant. The man was transported to a hospital, where he died.
The man, an employee of the restaurant, was reportedly exposed to a sodium hypochlorite floor cleaner called "Super 8," which Patterson said is commonly used. Of the 11 total people hospitalized as a result of the incident, only two were customers, according to Patterson.
Another worker "prepared the floor" with the cleaner and then immediately stepped outside for fresh air, according to Patterson. The worker who died then tried to squeegee the cleaning agent out of the restaurant "when he was overcome.”
A Buffalo Wild Wings spokesperson in a statement referred questions to local authorities, citing an ongoing investigation.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of this tragic accident at our franchise-owned sports bar and are working closely with our franchisee and the authorities while they conduct an investigation," the spokesperson said.
Joseph Pawlak, COO of Auto-Chlor Systems, issued the following statement regarding the incident at the Buffalo Wild Wings:
“We understand the concerns, fears, and questions you may have following the Buffalo Wild Wings chemical incident which may have involved Auto-Chlor’s product Super 8, and took place on the evening of Thursday November 7th, 2019 in Burlington, MA.
“First and foremost, our condolences are with the individual and their family as well as those affected yesterday during the incident. The safety and well-being of our customers are our first priority, always.
“At this time, working with OSHA , local authorities, and emergency teams on site, we are doing everything we can to determine all details behind this incident. We appreciate your patience as we work to understand all details that led to such an unfortunate outcome.”
Just after 5:30 p.m. Thursday, emergency responders in Burlington were called to the restaurant following the report of a "sick individual and a potential chemical release," interim fire chief Michael Patterson told reporters.
Patterson said the fire department arrived and found a man being treated by paramedics outside of the restaurant. The man was transported to a hospital, where he died.
The man, an employee of the restaurant, was reportedly exposed to a sodium hypochlorite floor cleaner called "Super 8," which Patterson said is commonly used. Of the 11 total people hospitalized as a result of the incident, only two were customers, according to Patterson.
Another worker "prepared the floor" with the cleaner and then immediately stepped outside for fresh air, according to Patterson. The worker who died then tried to squeegee the cleaning agent out of the restaurant "when he was overcome.”
A Buffalo Wild Wings spokesperson in a statement referred questions to local authorities, citing an ongoing investigation.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of this tragic accident at our franchise-owned sports bar and are working closely with our franchisee and the authorities while they conduct an investigation," the spokesperson said.
Joseph Pawlak, COO of Auto-Chlor Systems, issued the following statement regarding the incident at the Buffalo Wild Wings:
“We understand the concerns, fears, and questions you may have following the Buffalo Wild Wings chemical incident which may have involved Auto-Chlor’s product Super 8, and took place on the evening of Thursday November 7th, 2019 in Burlington, MA.
“First and foremost, our condolences are with the individual and their family as well as those affected yesterday during the incident. The safety and well-being of our customers are our first priority, always.
“At this time, working with OSHA , local authorities, and emergency teams on site, we are doing everything we can to determine all details behind this incident. We appreciate your patience as we work to understand all details that led to such an unfortunate outcome.”