Second Worker Dies After Hazardous Materials Accident in Zwaag

Two people have died after a workplace accident involving hazardous materials in Zwaag, Noord-Holland.

Emergency services received a report from an industrial site on De Corantijn at about 9:45 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026.

The incident reportedly happened at a coatings company near Hoorn.

Two people became seriously ill and required resuscitation. One victim died at the scene.

The second victim, a 40-year-old man from Zwaag, was taken to hospital in critical condition. Authorities later confirmed that he had also died.

Several emergency services responded to the incident. Two trauma helicopters were deployed, and firefighters cordoned off the site.

Officials said a chemical substance was probably involved. However, they have not revealed what the substance was.

The regional safety authority said the released material did not pose a danger to people living or working near the industrial site. Other businesses in the area were allowed to remain open.

A relative reportedly told Dutch media that the two victims fell into a container filled with chemicals.

The Netherlands Labour Inspectorate has not confirmed that account. A spokesperson said the initial report involved a fall and that investigators were considering the possibility.

The inspectorate is investigating the cause and circumstances of the accident.

The authorities have not publicly identified the victims.