U of M Lambuth building evacuated after chlorine incident
JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson Fire Department investigated a chlorine incident Tuesday at a building at the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus. A hazmat team responded Tuesday morning to the school’s recreation building. School staff said a maintenance worker was the first to report the strong odor of chlorine. “He went to the chemical room of the recreational center where our chlorine is stored and was overcome by the smell of chlorine gas,” Lt. Col. Billy Garrett with the Campus Police Department said. The university employee was transported by ambulance to a Jackson hospital and later released. The building also houses gyms, offices and classrooms. “I was in the building and some guy told me they were evacuating,” freshman student Marcus Alexander said. The Jackson Fire Department reopened the building around 1 p.m. Investigators said it’s unclear what could have activated the powder chemical inside the secure room. Garrett said classes were relocated for the remainder of the afternoon. The pool is expected to reopen Wednesday, according to school staff.
