A hazmat situation at the Lewiston Post Office on South 8th Street sent seven to the hospital. All seven of those workers have since been released.
Hazmat situation over in Lewiston. Called a 'non-toxic irritant.' Investigation continues. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/fvnKJgbA2c
— Jeff Rusack (@JeffRusack) October 12, 2016
Hazmat crews said an 'non-toxic irritant' was released into the air, but investigators are unsure where it came from.
Hazmat crews in the Lewiston Post Office, now. Seven workers taken to the hospital. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/oKK7iSWKqM
— Jeff Rusack (@JeffRusack) October 12, 2016
The building was immediately evacuated and the post office shutdown. All seven employees were taken to Mount Saint Mary's Hospital.
Hazmat crews inside the Lewiston Post Office, now. Seven people in the hospital feeling ill from an unknown odor. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/DI2nXagezZ
— Jeff Rusack (@JeffRusack) October 12, 2016
Director of Emergency Services and Fire Coordinator in Lewiston, Jon Schultz, says the hazmat crew went inside to try and determine what caused the odor.
"The testing they're doing is taking in various monitors in with the entry teams," said Schultz. "What they are doing is checking for various levels of chemicals, any carbon monoxide, or any type of substance that might be in the air to determine what's going on within the facility."
A total of 16 people were inside the building when the odor became apparent. Everyone who has symptoms was in the back of the post office.
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