Suspicious chemical smell at Southfield hotel revealed to be hair dye, area reopened

Area evacuated around Hawthorn Suites after chemicals reportedly found

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Central Park Boulevard was closed in Southfield as authorities investigated a potential hazmat situation at a hotel Wednesday morning.

According to Southfield police, an employee at the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, located on Central Park Boulevard, smelled chemicals in a room. The smell reportedly was so bad they had to close the door, police said.

According to authorities, the fire department evacuated everyone within 300 feet of the room from the building as officials worked to find out what kind of chemicals they were dealing with.

The area was reopened just before 2 p.m. Wednesday when authorities said the caustic chemical smell was revealed to be hair dye.

This report initially incorrectly stated that a dead body was found in the hotel room with the spilled chemicals.


More: Local news


About the Authors

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

Recommended Videos