‘Pungent odor’ evacuates Spokane business

A Sprague Avenue business was evacuated Thursday after a worker dropped a glass vial and stomped on it before quickly leaving the building, according to the Spokane Fire Department. Firefighters smelled a “pungent odor” upon arrival at 627 E. Sprague Ave. about 2:25 p.m., and several employees at the business felt sick, the fire department said. Hazardous material crews collected samples but the substance has yet to be identified. Twenty-six employees were evaluated, and one was taken to a hospital, the fire department said. Damage was limited to the carpet of the business. A portion was taken for further testing and as evidence. Spokane police are investigating.