Two hours later, a nearby Ward's department store and a Walgreen's pharmacy were evacuated after people complained of the same symptoms. A combined 23 were sent to area hospitals. A Starbucks also was evacuated, but no one was hospitalized. No serious injuries were reported, but fire officials say more than 120 people were evaluated at the scenes of all four stores. A surveillance video at Montgomery Wards captured three juveniles entering the stores and releasing the spray.
Police also have a tape showing three juveniles running from the coffee shop.
They believe the three incidents, which happened within a three-mile radius, are related. Worcester Fire Department, Board of Inquiry Report Released The Worcester Fire Department's Board of Inquiry Report on the fire which claimed the lives of 6 fire fighter is available on-line.