News

Bridgewater Cumberland Farms back open after refrigerant leak

(File photo)

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — A refrigerant leak forced the Cumberland Farms in Bridgewater to close for two hours Friday, Fire Chief Thomas Levy told Boston 25 News.

The fire department was called to the store at 1001 Pleasant Street around noon.

Levy said the Freon leak was caused by a cracked pipe to a system that dispenses cold drinks. Firefighters had the situation under control within 30 minutes.

A hazardous materials team responded and ventilated the store.

Levy said no one was hurt, but an ambulance was on standby.

Cumberland Farms representatives and a repairman then responded to the store to remedy the situation.

Levy said no other problems were detected.

The store re-opened at 3 p.m.

Freon is a commercial refrigerant and exposure can cause people to experience shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of coordination and poor concentration.

Last week, a refrigerant leak in a freezer at the Market Basket in Rowley sent eight people to the hospital. More than 50 people were evaluated at the scene. Everyone was expected to recover.

Cumberland Farms sent Boston 25 News the following statement:

"At approximately noon today, our Bridgewater store reported a release of commercial refrigerant. The local fire department responded and the store was evacuated. There were no injuries reported, and no one received any medical treatment. The store was checked and cleared for chemical hazard, and was reopened at 3:00 PM. We thank our first responders for their assistance, and our guests for their patience as normal operations were restored."