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Building Evacuated, Hazmat Team Called To UK Campus

UKNow

Hazmat crews were on the UK Campus for several hours today dealing with a chemical-related incident in the Dimock Animal Pathology building on Veterans’ Drive.  About 12 people were evacuated and went through decontamination late this morning after some workers experienced irritation when a refrigerator that was emitting a strong stench was opened.

UK spokesman Carl Nathe said a researcher had transported the refrigerator there last night from the Gluck Equine Research Center.  Another UK official said some sort of chemical residue from something previously stored in the refrigerator is thought to be the culprit.

The dozen or so people who were in the building complained of minor irritation to the skin or eyes, and some degree of nausea.  Fire battalion Chief Joe Best said they were transported to UK Hospital.

Best says the department is working to find out what kind of chemical caused the odor.