PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Walmart store at Berkshire Crossing was closed for hours Monday morning for a coolant leak. 

 

According to a Fire Department report, an employee accidentally damaged a freon line to one of the large commercial refrigeration units. Firefighters initiated a Tier 1 hazardous materials action and notified the hazmat team. Tier 1 means the materials involved can be contained or extinguished by first-responders. It assumes minimal risk to the public and the environment. 

 

The regional hazmat team coordinated the cleanup with the Fire Department. The refrigeration system was shut down and isolated and the building ventilated until the air was at normal levels. No injuries were reported. 

 

Freon is a tasteless, mostly odorless gas that can cause serious injury when inhaled. 

 

The incident occurred about 5:15 a.m. and the department store was closed until about 12:30 p.m. according to an employee who said they could not comment further.