Ten patients in a Manchester MRI clinic, including two pregnant women, are recovering after exposure to a chemical described as being toxic if absorbed through skin.

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The spill forced the evacuation of the building and closure for several hours.

Most are being released from Community Medical Center within a matter of hours of this morning's episode, but some are being retained for observation, according to information from the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato. No identities were disclosed.

Investigators responding at about 9:40 AM to a report of a chemical explosion at Shore Imaging on Route 70 learned, after arriving, that the fluid, about a gallon of nickel chloride hexahydrate, leaked from a cracked container, authorities said.

Emergency responders at Manchester chemical spill (Manchester PD)
Emergency responders at Manchester chemical spill (Manchester PD)
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The chemical is used during monthly tests on the imaging equipment and is usually stored at room temperature, authorities said. The container, called a phantom, was placed in a freezer in the belief that it would contribute to clearer scan images.

Additional information from Manchester Police indicates that one worker had direct contact with the chemical while toting the leaky container through the building. They did not disclose the employee's identity.

The initial report of an explosion drew response from Manchester police and firefighters. The Berkeley Township hazardous materials unit, Stafford Fire Department decontamination squad and Point Pleasant firefighters tended the patients at risk of exposure.

Detective Mitchell Remig of the Prosecutor's major crime unit assembled the chain of events through interviews with employees who were brought to the medical center in Toms River.

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