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EYEWITNESS LOCAL NEWS
RESTAURANT EVACUATEDfrom Eyewitness News Online IHOP Evacuated, Hazmat Crews Called In Reported by:  Kristin KeelingWeb Producer: Kristin Keeling Also Contributing: Kennie Bass Reported: Feb. 17, 2012 9:15 AM EST Updated: Feb. 18, 2012 2:42 PM EST
South Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
I-Hop has released this statement on the accident: "An accident occurred at our restaurant this morning that required the assistance of first responders. Most importantly, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees is always our first concern and I am happy to report that team members and guests involved were treated and released and injuries were minor. Our thanks to the first responders. The restaurant is open and we are operating normal hours. We have worked with authorities to determine how this happened and are satisfied that we understand what occurred. A change in supplier of cleaning materials resulted in an accidental mishandling. That has been corrected and procedures revised. We have every confidence in our training procedures and systems, as evidenced by the fact a problem like this has not occurred in the past and the restaurant has a solid safety record. We are grateful that this was not more serious and thank the first responders for their excellent handling of the situation." Nine people were treated after a chemical situation at the International House of Pancakes at Trace Fork. Mike Jarrett, from the Kanawha County Ambulance Authority says a mixture between two chemicals caused a toxic cloud of chlorine gas in the kitchen at IHOP. 21 people were inside the restaurant when it happened, nine workers and twelve customers. All nine were having breathing difficulties but none of the injuries appeared life-threatening. Most were treated and released shortly after the incident. Firefighters believe an IHOP employee used the wrong cleaning solution. One which is clearly labeled with a warning not to mix it with bleach. Officials say anyone with underlying medical conditions should seek medical attention. "You have to remember in this type of weather, underlying medical conditions can prevail such as asthma or any type of breathing problem they may have," explained Mike Jarrett, Public Information Officer from the Kanawha County Ambulance Authority. Health officials say the symptoms of the chemical exposure include nausea and shortness of breath. Fortunately, all those in the situation escaped without being seriously harmed. ---------------------- Hazardous Materials crews are at the scene of a situation at a restaurant off Corridor G. Early reports indicate there are more than a dozen people suffering the effects of an unknown type of gas at the I-Hop Restaurant at Trace Fork. We do know that nine people have been taken to area hospitals for treatment. The restaurant has been evacuated. Watch a live update on the situation on the Mobile Report at wchstv.com on your smartphone at 11am. And there is continuing coverage on WCHS-TV. MORE NEWS FROM EYEWITNESS NEWS
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