The Hampton VA Medical Center was evacuated Wednesday afternoon due to a potential hazmat situation that was determined to be the smell of a urine sample, according to Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue spokesman Battalion Chief Anthony Chittum.
Dispatch said the call came in at 2:16 p.m.
John Rogers with the VA told News 3 there was a pungent, overwhelming odor, determined to be the smell of a urine sample, on the first and second floor of building 144, which houses mental health services. As a precaution, the building's staff and patients were evacuated. "We are looking into this matter, and we are concerned for our employees' and veterans' safety," Rogers said.
No injuries were reported. Two staff members that came in contact with the substance were placed under medical observation and were released Wednesday night.