Chemical reaction at Chick-fil-A sends three people to hospital, SC officials say
A Chick-fil-A in South Carolina was closed Saturday after people inside the fast food restaurant said they felt sick, according to the Columbia Fire Department.
Three people were hospitalized, authorities said.
Members of the fire department, including the hazmat team, responded to the Chick-fil-A on Garners Ferry Road late Saturday morning, the fire department said in a social media post.
Two chemical products used for cleaning mixed after being poured down a drain at the restaurant that was backed up, according to the post. This created an odor that made several people inside the building feel unwell, the fire department said.
The restaurant, near a Walmart Supercenter and Exit 9 on Interstate 77, was evacuated while firefighters worked to remedy the issue and ventilate the building, according to the post.
There were 13 people who were examined by Richland County EMS at the scene, and three of them were taken to an area hospital, the fire department said. Further information on their conditions was not available.
Out of an abundance of caution, Chick-fil-A officials chose to keep the restaurant closed for the rest of Saturday, according to the release. Chick-fil-A’s are traditionally closed on Sundays.
A Chick-fil-A official said the restaurant will reopen on Monday, WLTX reported.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published March 2, 2025 at 2:40 PM.
