Chattanooga, TN – According to the officials, right before at 10 a.m. on June 13, 2024, 911 received reports of patients and employees at the health department (921 E 3rd St) experiencing nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness, along with detecting a strange odor.
The building was evacuated as Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD), Chattanooga Police Department, and Hamilton County EMS responded to the scene.
Firefighters entered the building to take readings and determine the cause of the exposure.
They identified a leak in the air conditioning refrigerant.
By 10:45 AM, the “all clear” was given, and everyone was allowed to return to the building. The entire structure was inspected, and all levels were deemed safe, allowing the facility to reopen.
Nine patients were assessed, and five were transported to the hospital. All were stable and taken to the ER for further evaluation.