A chemical leak at Charlotte’s historic Bojangles Coliseum sparked an early-morning emergency response on Friday, Sept. 19. Around 5 a.m., officials confirmed that a release of anhydrous ammonia — an extremely toxic gas was detected at the arena.
Hazmat teams and more than a dozen emergency vehicles arrived quickly on the scene. According to Charlotte Fire Department officials, the leak was promptly isolated and ventilated.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and paramedics confirmed there was no harm to staff or nearby residents. Firefighters also noted that there were no traffic disruptions as a result of the incident.
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Anhydrous ammonia is used at the Coliseum as part of the facility’s refrigeration system, which cools brine liquid indirectly to regulate the ice surface used for hockey and other events. Though powerful and efficient, the chemical is hazardous and can cause severe health complications if inhaled or exposed to skin in high concentrations.
While the leak was safely contained, officials have not yet disclosed the source or scale of the breach.
