Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Toxic Fumes Clear Out Panera Bread

Several employees became sick from the fumes—caused by cleaning materials—and were taken to the hospital after the restaurant opened Friday morning.

Noxious fumes cleared out the on Nixon Drive late Friday morning, sending several employees to the hospital.

Matt Orsini, deputy chief of the Lenola Fire Company, said a combination of chemicals used by cleaning crews overnight resulted in a "bad atmosphere," causing several employees of the restaurant to come down with symptoms (sore throat, nausea) this morning.

He said approximately seven were transported to area hospitals for evaluation, and a few others drove themselves to the hospital between 5:30-7 a.m., though the fire department wasn't called until shortly after 11 a.m.

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Orsini didn't have any further information about their condition. 

Sgt. Lee Lieber, public information officer for , said the effects were not "life-threatening," according to officers who were at the scene.

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Orsini said he wasn't aware that any customers became ill from the fumes.

The restaurant was closed shortly after the incident was reported and remained closed this afternoon.

As of 3 p.m., personnel from the Burlington County Health Department were still in the process of evaluating the building. Lieber said the restaurant would not reopen until officials could determine it was safe.

Orsini said he didn't expect the restaurant to reopen Friday.

The Lenola Emergency Squad and Burlington County Hazmat team also responded to the scene.

Patch was unable to immediately get more information about the incident from the county or Panera Bread. 


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