Stockholm, Feb 24 (IANS) Seven people were hospitalized with respiratory problems after the Swedish Security Service’s headquarters in Stockholm were evacuated due to a gas leak. The alarm was raised just after lunchtime on Friday, and emergency services deployed staff in hazmat suits. As many as 500 people were evacuated from the building.
According to Xinhua news agency, around 150 people working in a neighboring office building were also evacuated. Police spokesperson Anders Bryngelsson informed TT news agency that a radius of 500 meters has been cordoned off for both pedestrians and motorists. A nearby highway ramp on one of Stockholm’s major thoroughfares was also shut down as a precautionary measure.
Swedish Television reported that the government is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with the Security Service. Minister for Justice Gunnar Strommer mentioned to TT that steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the individuals affected by the gas leak. The incident has raised concerns about the overall safety protocols in place at the Swedish Security Service’s headquarters.
