Biohazard Evacuates University of Pennsylvania Lab

Aug. 9, 2005
At least one person was taken from the scene to a nearby hospital.

City police and fire officials ordered the evacuation of a bio-chemical lab on the grounds of the University of Pennsylvania in West Philadelphia this morning after a chemical emergency occurred in the structure.

A Fire Department spokesman said rescue crews first responded to the John Morgan Building at 3620 Hamilton Walk at 11:02 a.m. Within minutes, waves of additional equipment, including several paramedic teams, were dispatched to the scene. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic was detoured.

The Fire Department spokesman said initial reports from the scene were that a mixture of chemicals had created a "bio-hazard condition." At least one person was taken from the scene on a stretcher to the nearby Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Early this afternoon, Rebecca Harmon, a spokeswoman for the university's medical school, reported: "Basically, a lab worker reported feeling very nauseous and as a precaution we sealed off the lab. There are no reported spills in the lab, and just a few minutes ago, I learned that the experts said the air appeared clear in and around the lab."

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