Pasadena Avenue Reopens After Hazmat Incident: UPDATED

SOUTH PASADENA, CA — Two people were hospitalized and Pasadena Avenue was shut down Wednesday afternoon out of concern for a potential hazardous material exposure. However, investigators were unable to identify any chemical release.

Several people at a facility for people with special needs in South Pasadena reported feeling sickened by fumes, according to the South Pasadena Fire Department. Some were treated at the scene and two others were taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.

Paramedics were called to the scene shortly before noon Wednesday at the 200 block of Pasadena Avenue. Several people had reported an unknown odor that caused nausea, according to Capt. Eric Zamteson of the South Pasadena Fire Department.

Several people at the scene reported feeling ill. Paramedics treated multiple, according to the South Pasadena Fire Department. South Pasadena fire fighters are on the scene, and drivers are being advised to avoid the area.

Investigators suspect the odor came from nearby sewer drains, but firefighters were unable to determine the substance involved or its source, Zamteson said.

Pasadena Avenue was closed at York Boulevard until firefighters cleared the scene around 1 p.m., Zamteson said.

City News Service contributed to this report.