The triggering of an air contamination alarm caused by gas escaping from a blocked drain prompted the evacuation of Merritt Hospital on Friday, according to the Department of Health. Interior.
A smell of gas emanating from a blocked pipe and the reaction of the unblocking liquid led to the evacuation of the hospital center and the transfer of 10 patients around 10:15 a.m. on Friday morning. The establishment reopened around 3:30 p.m.
The building was ventilated and the Merritt Fire Department confirmed the air was breathable.
A spokesperson for gas company FortisBC said an investigation determined the cause of the smell and confirmed it was not natural gas.
The company still reminds anyone who smells natural gas to contact emergency services.
Radio Canada
Source: Radio-Canada
