Mercy Med. Cntr. Closed ER Briefly During Hazmat Investigation

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--The emergency room at Mercy Medical Center shutdown briefly on Thursday while a patient was being treated for  a possible hazardous substance.

According to authorities, a trash compactor exploded and contaminated a Department of Public Works employee with an unknown substance.

The employee was transported to Mercy Medical Center where they shutdown the emergency room to new patients as a precaution.

During the incident, employees were told to shelter in place inside the hospital.

Just before 2:30 p.m. officials said the emergency room at Mercy Medical Center has reopened.

It's still unknown what the suspected hazardous substance may have been.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.