Gas leak evacuates Range Line Walmart; Several taken to hospital
Update
JOPLIN, Mo. — A confirmed gas leak at Walmart in Range Line Rd. led to an evacuation that lasted nearly two hours.
Officials say fire units responded to Walmart where multiple individuals were showing medical symptoms linked to the leak. Emergency personnel treated five individuals for their symptoms. Four of those were transported to area hospitals for further evaluation.
Metering devices were used to check for natural gas within the building. Initial readings indicated low levels of natural gas, leading to the decision to evacuate the store out of caution.
The cause of the leak is believed to be related to the installation of a new oven inside the store’s bakery.
Spire Gas Service assisted the situation, and after their inspection, the store was deemed safe and reopened around 2:30 p.m.
Original
JOPLIN, Mo. — On Monday, a reported gas leak at Walmart on Range Line Rd. led to the evacuation of the store.
Emergency services transported several individuals to nearby hospitals for treatment.
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This is a developing story, we will continue to bring more information as it becomes available.