Authorities are investigating a hazmat situation at the PetSmart in Brentwood at the Promenade Shopping Center.
KSDK Staff, KSDK 7:12 p.m. CDT September 3, 2015
(Photo: Jacob Long / KSDK)
BRENTWOOD, Mo. -- Fire officials are trying to determine what caused several people to get sick at a Brentwood animal hospital Thursday.
Around 11 a.m., seven employees of the Banfield Animal Hospital inside the PetSmart at the Brentwood Promenade shopping center began to feel ill, according to Assistant Fire Chief Terry Kurten.
"My crews arrived on the scene and made contact with clinic workers. They were complaining of symptoms like a metallic taste in their mouth, nausea and dizziness," Chief Kurten said.
Scene of Brentwood Petsmart evacuation. KSDK
All seven individuals were transported to St. Mary's Hospital. Chief Kurten couldn't comment on the severity of their injuries, but believed they would all be okay.
The entire business was evacuated, including approximately 20 cats, dogs and hamsters. Workers loaded the animal onto an air-conditioned Metro bus so they wouldn't get overheated outside.
"We didn't want them out in the heat. Obviously, we want them contained where we can keep an eye on them easily," Dr. Tom Schwartz, a veterinarian at Banfield Animal Hospital, said.
Dr. Schwartz said several animals, including birds and smaller rodents, stayed inside the store for logistical reasons, but tests showed the animals were not in danger.
Bren Green was on her lunch break when she saw all the fire trucks in the parking lot. Approximately six departments, including a HAMZAT team and the American Red Cross responded.
Green had come to check on her dog, 12-year-old London, who was scheduled for a grooming session.
"I saw fire trucks everywhere and caution tape so I thought there was a small fire," she said.
Green said she was able to easily retrieve her dog from the bus and was relieved to know the situation wasn't worse.
"I wasn't afraid. I knew everything would be fine," Green said.
Officials have yet to determine the cause of what made the workers sick. Chief Kurten said a chemical spill has been ruled out. Officials believe the problem originated on the roof. An HVAC company was working with emergency crews on scene.
Chief Kurten says the business will not be able to re-open to the public until after a complete inspection is done.
PetSmart issued the following statement to KSDK:
"At this point, we do not have any details regarding the cause of the situation or the status of associates who have been transported to the hospital.
We can confirm all people, as well as all cats and dogs in our care for the day, were immediately evacuated from the store. Some small animals and fish remain in the store, as the fire department conducted air quality tests and indicated it was safe to do so.
Additionally, all pets are being examined by a Banfield veterinarian as a precautionary measure before they are picked up by their pet parents. The health and wellbeing of our associates, customers and pets remains our top priority, and we’ll provide more information as it becomes available."
Authorities are investigating a hazmat situation at the PetSmart in Brentwood at the Promenade Shopping Center.