Crime & Safety
15 Hospitalized After Chemical Exposure Near Airport In Rockford
Exposure to toxic powder sent 15 people to the hospital, according to WTVO.
![Authorities responded Tuesday to an address behind the Rockford airport.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/920517/20230207/072930/styles/patch_image/public/screen-shot-2023-02-07-at-62445-pm___07192535896.png)
ROCKFORD, IL — Fifteen people were taken to the hospital Tuesday after contact with hazardous material in the area of the Chicago Rockford International Airport, according to reports.
The Rockford Fire Department’s hazardous materials team responded 11:45 a.m. to the 6000 block of Cessna Drive, behind the airport, the department confirmed.
The exposure was the result of an incident involving a forklift operator who breached a barrel of toxic powder, which caused “mild irritation,” according to WTVO.
Find out what's happening in Rockfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.