All clear after potential hazmat situation in Point Breeze [Video]

POINT BREEZE (KYW Newsradio) — Police, fire, counter-terrorism, hazmat and SWAT personnel were dispatched to a home on S. 22nd Street in Point Breeze Friday afternoon after neighbors reported a strong smell of ammonia and bleach coming from inside the residence.

Eventually, every house on the block and ones nearby on Latona and Oakford streets were evacuated as crews conducted their work around the potential hazmat situation. Roads remained closed in the afternoon for a couple of hours.

A neighbor who spoke to KYW said the situation was initially really concerning for her and other nearby residents.

“Basically, the whole block was blocked off with fire trucks [and] police cars,” she said.

Philadelphia Police Captain Kenneth McKinney explained why authorities turned out in such force.

“We handled [it] like a standard barricade situation. All for safety, community safety, and for fire board safety and our safety,” he said. “Once we got no response, our …