An unknown odor at the Independence Mall in Kingston, Massachusetts caused the hospitalization of at least 10 people Tuesday.

Shoppers complained of a "strange odor" near the mall's food court, according to various news reports.

Kingston's firefighters, ambulances, and Hazmat crews were called to check the hazardous materials incident at the mall at about 4:30 p.m., according to Duxbury Fire Captain Brian Monahan. The Kingston Fire Department provided two ambulances an engine company to assist.

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According to the reports, about 10 people in the food court smelled a foul odor, which eventually "caused irritation," explained Jennifer Mieth, a spokeswoman for the state fire marshal's office. It also caused breathing difficulties.

A witness said she had experienced a "sawdusty feeling" while breathing, and observed that everyone was coughing, as well.

At least 15 people were evacuated at the food court and 10 people were sent to the local hospital. Security guards at the mall instructed visitors to leave the building.

Mieth said tests would be done to "attempt to determine the cause of the odor, which is not coming from any continuing event.".

At a press conference held outside the mall, Kingston Fire Chief Robert T. Heath said they closed the the mall for the rest of the night for a thorough investigation of the source of foul odor.

Tagskingston, independence mall, hazmat, strange odor, gas, fumes, mall evacuation, Evacuation