Madison chemical spill causes evacuations

MADISON -- A chemical spill at a Northeast Ohio assisted living facility caused the evacuation of its staff and residents.

"The Lantern of Madison" is located north of town on Hubbard Road in Madison. It's just about 45 minutes east of Cleveland.

Fourty-one elderly residents and seven staff members were evacuated after a noxious smell spread through the building around the lunch hour Monday.

Several police, firefighters, and even a Hazmat team responded.

After six hours it was determined that the smell was actually a strong cleaning agent that had leaked into an elevator shaft.

It was a tricky evacuation for responding medical technicians.

"Trying to talk to them about it being for their own protection. Many of them like to get outside and to them this was a field trip. We're fortunate to have all the healthcare facilities that support one another. We were able to place them," Madison Police Lt. Tod Baker said.

"Lantern" residents were placed in three other area facilities.

They will return to their home in the morning once Hazmat gives the facility the all clear.