The Denham Springs post office building was closed and three people were taken to the hospital after a “suspicious smell” was detected inside Halloween morning, police said.
Around 6:15 a.m. the Denham Springs Police Department and Denham Springs Fire Department were contacted to investigate a suspicious smell — described as a “chemical smell” — inside the Del Orleans Ave. post office, according to Scott Sterling with DSPD.
Three people were taken to the hospital by Acadian Ambulance, he said. Their conditions were not immediately available. Three people also refused to go to the hospital, according to Justin Cox with Acadian.
The post office remained closed throughout the morning while first responders investigated, and people were asked to avoid the building until the work was done.
Investigators eventually found the odor appeared to be emanating from leaking cases of Creolin Deodorant Cleanser — harsh chemicals, though non-toxic.
Creolin, which was found in a package at the post office, is usually used in veterinary medicine for the most part, according to Jean Kelly, public information officer with DEQ.
“The kind of reaction people had — nausea — it’s a very strong odor,” she said.
People will be allowed to return to the post office after 11 a.m., she said.
Officials have not indicated that this was a deliberate act.
It appeared postal employees tried to air out the building before contacting first responders earlier in the day, but the smell was persistent, according to a woman who arrived at the building Monday but declined to be named. People finally left the building to get away from the fumes before employees called the fire department.
The fire department contacted state Louisiana State Police Hazmat for assistance. DEQ and the postal inspector were also on the scene investigating Monday morning, Sterling said.
“I’m sure everything is being done appropriately for the security and safety of not only the employees but the citizens as well,” said Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry.
This is not the first time in recent months the Del Orleans post office location has had a scare.
Last December an elderly woman drove through the post office after she accidentally hit the gas while trying to park, injuring a postal worker.
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