Local
Boiler malfunction overheats North Smithfield rehabilitation hospital, prompting evacuation
The Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island was evacuated Thursday after patients and staff reported heat-related symptoms in a building that reached 90 degrees. The facility said a boiler-room malfunction caused the overheating; the building remained empty Friday while repairs were arranged.
The Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island in North Smithfield was evacuated Thursday after patients and staff became ill amid extreme indoor heat, town and facility officials said.
North Smithfield Town Administrator Scott Gibbs said the fire marshal told him the building’s temperature had reached 90 degrees. Reported symptoms included nausea, dizziness, vomiting and flu-like illness, which crews believed were linked to the heat.
The hospital said a malfunction in its boiler room caused the high temperatures. It described the incident as heat-related, and officials confirmed there was no gas leak. An HVAC contractor was expected to address the mechanical problem Friday. The building remained vacant as crews worked to correct the temperature issue.