Dozens sickened at Vallejo hazmat incident, California

VALLEJO, CA - A Vallejo grocery store was evacuated after a carbon dioxide leak got 71 people sick Friday afternoon.

There were 74 people inside Ghiringhelli Specialty Foods, which bills itself as a natural foods processor, at 101 Benicia Road when the leak occurred, possibly from the kitchen area, Vallejo Fire Battalion Chief Patrick Dunn said.

When Vallejo firefighters arrived at the scene, they encountered people experiencing vomiting, respiratory problems and difficulty seeing. Dunn said large amounts of exposure could lead to death, but no one was at that high of an injury level.

Hospital officials said one worker is in serious condition while all others have recovered from exposure to the leak.

People who were vomiting were immediately transported to the hospital for treatment.

Sutter Solano Medical Center spokesman Sy Neilson said 45 patients were treated for symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and trouble breathing. Read More