Buffalo Wild Wings reopens after manager is killed in cleaning chemical accident
Fire chief calls it an accident
Fire chief calls it an accident
The Buffalo Wild Wings in Burlington, Massachusetts reopened late Saturday morning after its general manager died Thursday evening in an accident involving cleaning chemicals, according to restaurant representatives.
Ryan Baldera, 32, was overcome by the fumes and died after being rushed to Lahey Hospital, according to the Burlington Fire Department. Baldera was general manager of the restaurant.
A friend told NewsCenter 5 that Baldera was married last year and was the father of a newborn baby.
The incident happened sometime before 6 p.m. at the restaurant off South Avenue, across from the Burlington Mall.
Interim Fire Chief Michael Patterson said a cleaning product called Scale Kleen was knocked over while another product, Super 8, was already on the floor. The two mixed, causing a chemical reaction with noxious fumes.
The restaurant was evacuated, but not before several people reported smelling the odor.
Twelve people checked themselves into Lahey Hospital and a 13th person self-checked into a Lowell-area hospital Thursday night with symptoms including difficulty breathing and burning feelings in the eyes. All of the patients have since been released from the hospital.
Patterson said one worker who first prepared the floor to be cleaned was immediately exposed to the fumes, but quickly left the area to get fresh air.
"The gentleman that passed away was an employee of Buffalo Wild Wings who attempted to squeegee the product out of the building when he was overcome," Patterson said.
In an interview Friday, Patterson reiterated that the incident was a tragic accident.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of this horrific accident at our franchise-owned sports bar and are working closely with our franchisee and the authorities while they conduct an investigation," Buffalo Wild Wings said in a statement. "Because the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to share any additional comment at this time."
Following his death, the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce has set up a memorial fund for Baldera's family. Those who would like to contribute to the fund can send a check payable to the "Ryan Baldera Memorial Fund" to:
Cambridge Savings Bank
214 Cambridge St.
Burlington, MA 01803
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified of the incident and a spokesman said the agency would respond.