HUDSON — Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) hazmat technicians found a small gas leak but no additional hazards at Precision Coating on Parmenter Road, after 16 people were hospitalized Thursday with dizziness, eye irritation and other symptoms.
“DFS hazmat techs did not identify any hazards beyond a small gas leak, and the site has been closed down pending its repair and further safety assessments,” Massachusetts Department of Fire Services spokesperson Jake Wark told The MetroWest Daily News in an email Thursday.
The hazmat team cleared the scene at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.
The MetroWest Daily News identified the business as Integer’s Precision Coating facility at 51 Parmenter Road based on photographs from the scene. Integer purchased Precision Coating in 2025. The facility manufactures coatings for medical devices.
According to the Hudson Fire Department, firefighters responded to the facility at 8:47 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, after employees activated a fire alarm pull station.
When firefighters arrived on scene, they found numerous employees reporting serious illness, dizziness, eye irritation, and other symptoms. The arriving crews declared a mass casualty incident and requested multiple ambulances. Sixteen people were transported to three hospitals in eight ambulances. Their conditions were not publicly released.
Firefighters entered the building and conducted atmospheric monitoring. Based on their initial assessment, fire officials believed a chemical process may have contributed to the illnesses.
Hudson Fire Chief Jamie Desautels requested assistance from the state Hazmat team, whose members have specialized training, meters, and other equipment. The specific gas or chemical process involved was not publicly identified.
According to the Hudson Fire Department, Marlborough firefighters assisted at the scene, while Stow crews responded to a medical emergency elsewhere in Hudson. Firefighters from Maynard and Berlin provided station coverage during the incident.
