Firefighters determined that fumes from a glue the construction crew used was being pulled into the building through the air conditioning system, causing a noxious smell.
SPRINGFIELD - Employees at the Bank of America branch on Island Pond Road in Springfield were overcome by fumes from roof construction on Saturday, prompting the temporary closure of the bank.
Around 11 a.m., a city police officer inside the bank called for an ambulance after one employee was having trouble breathing which she believed was related to her asthma. A few minutes later, other employees had similar symptoms and the bank was evacuated.
Springfield firefighters were requested in a non-emergency response to assist at the bank.
When they arrived, roof work that was being done on the building was halted. Firefighters determined that fumes from a glue the construction crew used was being pulled into the building through the air conditioning system, causing a noxious smell.
Firefighters shut off the air conditioning while they ventilated the building and the bank was expected to reopen shortly.