F-16 chemical leak sends 6 airmen to hospital

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Six airmen at the Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing in New Jersey have been taken to the hospital after being exposed to a chemical released from a fighter plane.

The Press of Atlantic City reports the accident happened around 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Egg Harbor Township while the airmen worked on an F-16's emergency power unit. The unit provides electrical and hydraulic power to the plane if the engines shut down.

Master Sgt. Andrew Moseley says six people were taken to a hospital as a precaution because of possible exposure to a hydrazine byproduct. It's a corrosive and toxic chemical that can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Acute exposure can also lead to kidney and liver damage.

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