Carl’s Jr closes on Saturday after staffers treated by EMS

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Eight Carl’s Jr employees were possibly affected by unidentified fumes in the restaurant on Saturday. All eight were taken to the hospital, with six later cleared to go home while two remained at the hospital for observation.

Carl’s Jr’s Manager Phil Love told Samoa News “there was no evidence of any gas leak that would have caused the incident and no customers were affected.”

He confirmed that the employees affected have been given leave time by doctors through Dec. 1, 2022.

“We closed the restaurant for the rest of Saturday and conducted a thorough cleaning then reopened on Sunday as usual,” Love noted.

A video that was circulating online showed CJ employees on the floor gasping for breath, as well as other staff who seemed to have fainted.

Samoa News arrived at Carl’s Jr in the afternoon after the public was barred from the restaurant, which was cleared to open later in afternoon — but it remained closed.

Emergency Medical Services technicians told Samoa News at the scene while close to 10 people were rushed to the hospital, only two were admitted into medical care for observation and treatment.

Samoa News reached out to EMS Chief Galumalemana Popo Avegalio for comments but he referred queries to the Department of Public of Safety and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as gas company representatives that were also at the scene.

Samoa News also approached police officers at the scene but they declined to comment — although they did mention a possible ammonia leak — they also pointed out that it is unconfirmed.

Two Department of Public Safety Captains at the scene said they are investigating this matter and referred queries to Deputy Police Commissioners Terry Letuli and Foifua Jr Foifua. However, efforts were unsuccessful to reach them as of press time.