The Region - News from Feb. 22, 1985
A Newport Beach hotel was evacuated and at least 18 people were hospitalized after a drum of dry-cleaning fluid spilled and noxious fumes spread into the hotel’s air-conditioning system. Newport Beach fire officials said a malfunctioning valve on a drum of tetra-chloroethylene caused a spill of 30 to 50 gallons on the loading dock at the 471-room Hotel Meridien, near John Wayne Airport. Authorities said that most of those requiring treatment were hotel employees. They were taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian complaining of breathing problems, nausea and abdominal cramps.
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