Several sickened as gas leak forces evacuation of Excelsior veterinary clinic

A veterinary clinic in Excelsior is closed Friday after a gas leak sickened several people and prompted an evacuation.

Around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, emergency crews were called to Excelsior Animal Hospital at 130 Oak Street. on reports of a gas odor and leak, prompting the evacuation of all animals and staff.

When they arrived, first responders discovered several individuals who were feeling ill, according to the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department.

Some were treated by paramedics at the scene, but five were hospitalized for treatment, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.

In a post, Excelsior Animal Hospital wrote their "facility maintenance emergency is taking longer to resolve than expected" and as a result, the clinic is closed on Friday.

The clinic also called the p