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Hazmat crews are on scene at a suspected chlorine leak at the Crowne Plaza Cromwell, forcing the cancellation of the chamber's veterans breakfast meeting midway through.
Witnesses on scene at 100 Berlin Street, Cromwell, who were attending the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce 11th Annual Support the Troops/Honor the Veterans member breakfast meeting report the odor of chlorine was evident since 7:30 a.m., but the event carried on.
Attendees report a couple of people were taken to the hospital as a precaution after being overcome by the noxious fumes. Guests are being send across the street to the Quality Inn, witnesses say.
The guest speaker, former Army Captain Paul W. “Buddy” Bucha, a recipient of the Medal of Honor, was among those in attendance. No awards had been given out prior to the evacuation, witnesses say, and the event is expected to be rescheduled.
The William J. Pomfret Veteran Community Service Award, presented to a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has shown a selfless commitment to community and public service in Middlesex County, had not yet been given to William E. Currlin of Middlefield.