HARVEY COUNTY – First responders are on the scene of a chemical spill in Hesston.

Just after 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, an employee of GVL Poly 8515 Hesston Road in Hesston, reported difficulties in breathing, according to a media release.

Gary Denny, director of emergency management for Harvey County, says a building at the plant was evacuated after a breach of a container with a chemical used in manufacturing coolers. He says the chemical — polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate — can be hazardous if it’s inhaled. He says it’s unclear how much escaped.

A total of six employees reported medical issues due to the spill. Three employees were transported to Newton Medical Center in serious condition; the other three employees went to Newton Medical Center through private vehicles, were checked and released.

Responding to the incident were Hesston EMS, Newton EMS, Hesston Police Department, Harvey County Sheriff’s deputies and Harvey County Emergency management.