Fumes inside Northrop Grumman’s El Segundo lab prompts evacuations

A hazmat situation at Northrop Grumman’s El Segundo facility prompted evacuations on Thursday.

Around 10 a.m., the El Segundo Fire Department responded to 601 Hornet Way following reports of unknown fumes coming from the lab.

According to Northrop Grumman officials, there were workers doing work on an HVAC system on the top of one of the buildings when there was a mishap that led to fumes spreading inside the building.

Fire Chief George Avery said a number of employees were showing ill effects.

"We evacuated over 100 employees and ultimately three patients were transported to the hospital," he said. "Two others were treated and released on scene."

The fumes were reportedly confined to one section of the building.

El Segundo Fire and L.A. County Fire and Health Hazmat investigators are assessing the nature of the chemical that caused the illnesses before cleanup crews are allowed inside to decontaminate the area.

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