Gas leak at mall store scares customers

Gas leak from the air-conditioning at Spinneys supermaket near BurJuman in Bur Dubai sent shoppers scurrying for safety on Tuesday morning.

According to a 'Gulf News' report, the outlet was shut for more than two hours following the alleged incident in which there have been no reported injuries.

A Spinneys spokesperson said, the plumber who was carrying out some maintenance work on a refrigerator accidentally hit the refrigerator gas line leaking refrigerant gas.

"Refrigerant gas is harmless and is non-flammable....the gas was shut off and air-circulating equipment installed to clear any remaining gas," the spokesperson said and added that all uncovered food items have been disposed of.

Staff of other shops in the building were also asked to leave as a precautionary measure. People were not allowed inside as the automatic entrance doors as well as parking entrances were shut.

According to experts, most commercial refrigerants are safe even if people breathe in a certain amount. The only danger is in a confined space, they replace the oxygen in the air, so there is a possibility of people suffocating if there are enough of them.
 

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