Refrigerant Leak Blamed For Hazmat At Rowley Market Basket

A refrigerant leak in a freezer at the Market Basket supermarket on the Newburyport Turnpike in Rowley sent at eight people to the hospital, but with no serious injuries, said officials Thursday.

Just after 3 p.m., public safety officials responded to the supermarket's call about an odor of gas. As a precaution, officials evacuated the entire strip mall where the store is located. A state hazmat team also responded, and emergency medical services evaluated another two dozen people.

Rowley is located on the North Shore, near Newbury and Georgetown.