An unusual smell at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix prompted an evacuation of visitors and a response from multiple fire and police vehicles Thursday morning in downtown Phoenix.
Phoenix Fire Department was called to conduct an investigation. A Southwest Gas representative was also at the museum checking for gas leaks.
One of the workers at the museum, located at 215 N. Seventh St., noticed a weird smell shortly before opening at 9 a.m. Thursday, coming from the 3rd floor of the building.
Marion Wiener, the director of Marketing and Communications, said they decided to evacuate the building and called the Phoenix Fire Department.
“I just want to make sure the building is safe,” Wiener said.
The building was not open for visitors yet, but some people, including a school field trip, were already at the museum when the evacuation was taking place. Visitors were told to stand at the corners of the parking lot away from the building.
Jerika Stewart stood in the parking lot outside of the children’s museum, confused about what was going on. She said she flew in from Wisconsin yesterday to celebrate her 4-year-old son’s birthday.