Norwood Fire Chief Releases Statement on Monday's Deadly Ammonia Leak at Home Food Markets

On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, Norwood Fire Department Chief David Hayes announced that Home Foods Market, the site of a deadly ammonia leak on Monday, is safe.  An ammonia leak at the site resulted in the death of one person and the hospitalization of a second person on Monday this week.

The press release states that around 11:10 a.m. on December 19th, Norwood Fire and Police responded to Home Food Markets on the report of an ammonia leak with casualties. The event became a Tier 2 Hazardous Materials (HaxMat) incident, with high concentrations of ammonia that persisted for some time.

On December 20th, Norwood Fire and state HazMat teams entered the building to secure a "remaining valve." After allowing the building to vent overnight, by Wednesday, December 21st, the incident was labeled Tier 1 HazMat. Eventually, firefighters declared the building safe.

"There were so many departments and people that were integral in securing this space and making it safe to enters, and I am extremely grateful to each and every on of our local and state partners for their efficient and professional response," states Chief Hayes. He also expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased individual.

The incident is being investigated by Norwood Police and Fire, State Police with the Norfolk District Attorney's Office, OSHA, and the State Fire Marshall's Office.