COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Bed Bath & Beyond store in Columbus was evacuated Thursday around 1 p.m. because of a smoke odor reported by employees.
When firefighters arrived at the Clifty Crossing Shopping Center, store personnel told them they suspected the building may have been struck by lightning. After crews discovered a warning light illuminated that indicates trouble with the HVAC system, investigators moved to the roof where a damaged air-conditioning unit was located. No fire was found in the building or on the roof, and investigators say the smell of smoke may have traveled through the HVAC duct work. The power was disconnected and management is scheduling repairs.
The store remained open following the investigation.
