Department of Energy

Emergency Crews Respond to Chemical Leak in New Haven

Emergency crews are responding to a chemical leak on Winchester Avenue in New Haven that prompted a nearby school to shelter-in-place.

New Haven police said the situation began at an organic lab at 375 Winchester Ave. during the disposal of hazardous material. Fumes leaked outside, prompting a hazmat response.

According to the city's Director of Emergency Operations Rick Fontana, someone improperly disposed of chemicals. The New Haven Fire Department responded when they began receiving reports of a foul smell around 2 p.m.

“They took some readings found out some of the chemicals were dumped down the sink some of them went out as fumes through the HVAC system," Fontana explained.

There is no danger of the public and cleanup is underway.

The nearby Highville Charter School was under a shelter-in-place when the situation first started but the order has since been lifted. 

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is also on scene.

No other details were immediately available.

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