Newark – Last evening, at approximately 7:00 pm, Christiana Fire Company Command operating at 800 Christiana Mall, requested the assistance of New Castle County Paramedics and personnel from the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, Wilmington Manor, Minquas, Five Points and Mill Creek Fire Companies for an odor investigation at the Target, according to Paramedic Senior Corporal David J. McKinney, Jr., Public Information Officer.
McKinney said Christiana Fire Company was dispatched to the Target store for a reported odor investigation. While responding, Fire Company Command requested additional resources to the scene for management of several patients, reporting a cough. Upon the arrival of New Castle County Paramedics, seven patients were evaluated for respiratory complaints, including a cough and sore throat. The odor was determined to be Freon gas, a gas which is used in the refrigeration and cooling process, said McKinney. Once evaluated, all patients refused transport to the hospital, added McKinney. Christiana Fire Company handled the command and investigation process.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control was on scene assisting Fire Department Personnel.
Responding Agencies:
New Castle County EMS (Paramedics)
Christiana Fire Company
Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder
Minquas Fire Company
Wilmington Manor Fire Company
Five Points Fire Company
Mill Creek Fire Company
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Emergency Response
Original Breaking Release
Newark – Fire crews from around New Castle County have responded to Christiana Mall for an unknown incident. Multiple ambulance crews have been requested to the scene.
Reports from the scene indicate that some sort of chemical or gas leak may have occurred. Reports indicate the incident is happening in the area of the Target Store. A call to several stores inside the mall indicate that no fire is present in the mall.
A call to mall security confirms that the Target Store is currently closed.
It’s believed that five patients are being treated.
Crews are working to pin down the source of the leak.
Update: Reports from the scene indicate that crews believe they have found the source of the leak. Officials believe that an HVAC Freon leak in the rear of the Target store may be the source of the leak.
Update: Seven patients evaluated for injuries. None will be transported.
Developing
More Images/Video via James Hummell
Image Credits: Submitted, James Hummell