Health & Fitness

Market Basket Refrigerant Leak: 8 Hospitalized

More than 50 were checked for respiratory issues after the freezer leak, which prompted a Tier 1 hazmat response.

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Rowley police and fire responded to the Market Basket on the Newburyport Turnpike for a report of a gas leak at approximately 3 p.m. when the store was busy with shoppers.
Rowley police and fire responded to the Market Basket on the Newburyport Turnpike for a report of a gas leak at approximately 3 p.m. when the store was busy with shoppers. (Rowley Police Department)

ROWLEY, MA — A refrigerant leak in the freezer of a Route 1 Market Basket sent eight people to the hospital Thursday afternoon. The state Fire Marshal's Office said the people were doing well, while police officials said more than 50 were checked at the scene for respiratory issues.

The leak prompted a Tier 1 hazmat response around 3 p.m. The Newburyport Turnpike strip mall that's home to the grocery store was evacuated and was closed indefinitely. The leak was believed to be isolated to Market Basket.

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