State Police Hazardous Material Officers enter 32 Summit Ave. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

Somerville police and fire departments are investigating a suspicious incident that occurred late Monday afternoon.  At about 3:30 p.m., Somerville police responded to 32 Summit Avenue to check the condition of the resident.  Upon their arrival, officers and were met by a friend of the resident who was concerned about the safety of his friend who lived at this address.  Officers attempted to gain entry through the front door and then the back door, which were both locked.

Somerville fire department was called and forced entry into the residence.  Upon entering, there was a strong smell of an unknown odor inside the house as police, firefighters and paramedics entered to search for the resident.  As officers and firefighters searched the house, they found a bathroom door with a sign that read “Poisonous Gas – call Haz-Mat”.  Firefighters quickly donned breathing equipment and entered the room where they located and extricated a 38 year old male resident.  The victim was transported to an area hospital where he is currently in critical condition.

Three Somerville police officers and one firefighter as well as three paramedics from Cataldo Ambulance Service were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital as a precaution where they were decontaminated, treated and later released.

State Police Crime Scene Services and the Department of Environmental Protection responded to the scene where they recovered and removed chemicals for disposal.

The matter remains under investigation.

(from the Somerville Police Dept)