Walmart remains temporarily closed as it investigates a hazardous materials leak

The Whitfield Drive Walmart Supercenter was temporarily closed Friday after four employees reported possible exposure to Freon leaks.

At approximately 11:34 a.m., Columbus firefighters were called to the Walmart Supercenter, 734 Whitfield Drive, for a report of four employees who reported being exposed to a Freon gas leak in the refrigerator/freezer area in the storage room, said Captain. Mike Wilson, spokesman for the Columbus Fire Department.

This area was not open to the public. Columbus firefighters and paramedics from Columbus Regional Heath evaluated the four employees, who were later transported to the hospital as a precaution. Two were transported by ambulance and two by private vehicles. According to paramedics on scene, the four employees did not exhibit any obvious life-threatening symptoms.

Columbus firefighters inspected the area where the leak was reported and found no evidence of an active Freon leak. Firefighters also spoke with store maintenance personnel who were checking alarm activity on the refrigerant systems. A review of system alarms and monitoring devices revealed that the system was functioning normally.

Columbus Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Sieverding spoke with store management, who informed the fire department’s incident command that the store would remain closed until a full inspection of the store’s refrigerant system could take place. Fire officials were not given a timeline for the store’s reopening.

Agencies assisting on scene include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Regional Health EMS and the Bartholomew County Operations 911 Dispatch Center.