Capt. Kyle Ohashi, spokesman for the Kent Fire Department, reported Alaska Air employees were evacuated from the call center in 20800 block of 72 Avenue South.
About 50 people evacuated several floors of a downtown Kent building this evening after several employees began to feel ill. The building, part of the Center Point complex in the 20800 block of 72 Ave. S., houses an Alaska Airlines call center.
The first call to 911 took place at approximately 10:20 p.m., when several people began complaining of nausea and lightheadedness due to something airborne. A dozen people were medically evaluated by Kent Fire Department personnel. No one was transported to the hospital, though several people left the scene prior to the fire department’s arrival and indicated that they may go to a local hospital on their own. Once the affected people were relocated outside, the symptoms quickly ended.
Members of the Kent Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team tested the air and worked with property management representatives to determine the source. Instruments used to test air samples were unable to locate whatever caused the symptoms and employees were allowed to reenter the building after two hours. Management will remain on scene to continue the investigation.
In addition to the Kent Fire Department, a unit from the Tukwila Fire Department also responded to this call.
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