BATTLE CREEK, MI (WTVB) – Nearly two dozen persons had to be taken to nearby hospitals late Wednesday morning following a freon leak in the kitchen area at the Kellogg Company world headquarters in Battle Creek.
City of Battle Creek spokesperson Jessica Vanderkolk says 23 people were exposed and had to be checked out as a precautionary measure.
LifeCare Ambulance and Battle Creek Transit transported 18 people to Bronson Battle Creek and five people to Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. Some experienced difficulty breathing and were to be checked out by medical staff.
Battle Creek firefighters responded at about 10:40 a.m. and evacuated an unknown amount of people from the north side of the building. The Calhoun County Public Health Department was notified and will evaluate the building’s cooking facilities.
Battle Creek Police assisted with traffic control. A portion of McCamly Street had to be shut down.
Kellogg’s spokesman Kris Charles said they were cooperating with authorities to make sure the building is safe. He added their highest priority is keeping a safe work environment for all of their employees.
