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Chemical spill prompts hazmat call at Canada Post building

Ottawa Fire Services hazmat crews investigate a leaking package at a Canada Post building on Sandford Fleming Avenue in Ottawa. Aug. 1, 2023. (Jean Lalonde/Ottawa Fire Services) Ottawa Fire Services hazmat crews investigate a leaking package at a Canada Post building on Sandford Fleming Avenue in Ottawa. Aug. 1, 2023. (Jean Lalonde/Ottawa Fire Services)
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Ottawa Fire Services says a chemical spill late Tuesday night at a Canada Post building prompted a visit from its hazardous materials team.

Hazmat crews were called to the Canada Post building on Sandford Fleming Avenue, opposite Riverside Drive, at 10:03 p.m. when an unidentified liquid spilled from a package.

Several people said they had difficulty breathing. Ottawa paramedics said two people were taken to hospital in stable condition and three others were treated and released at the scene.

The building was evacuated and hazmat crews tested the liquid, which OFS said turned out to be a "non-harmful auto cleaning solution."

Ottawa police were also called to investigate the leaking package, which was determined to be not suspicious.

The scene was cleared at 12:04 a.m. Wednesday, OFS said.

Canada Post said in a statement the incident caused some minor mail delivery delays Wednesday.

"Once we received the all-clear from authorities, we resumed full operations, but as a result of the evacuation, there have been some minor impacts on mail delivery for today," a spokesperson said. "We will deliver as much mail and parcels as we can today and will return to full operations tomorrow. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding."

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