Lower Wacker Smell Investigated, Officials Blame 'Overpowering' Stench On Leaking Garbage Truck

Why The City Was Smelling Like Hot Garbage

The Windy City's breeze was apparently no match for the smelly stench of garbage that overtook an area near Lower Wacker Drive early Tuesday.

Chicago police were called around 7 a.m. over an "overpowering smell" was coming from Lower Wacker between about Lake and Washington streets, a police spokesman told DNAinfo Chicago. Fire crews declared a hazmat situation around 11 a.m. to investigate.

By 1:30 p.m., the scene was cleared, though officials now believe the culprit was likely a leaky garbage truck that passed along the drive, NBC Chicago reports.

Police news affairs said they had fielded calls all morning regarding the odor. According to the Tribune, the odor was noticeable all the way to the 400 block of Lower North Michigan Avenue. No closures or traffic reroutes were necessary, though officials don't know when the smell will clear completely.

Police say the city’s Department of Sewers has been notified.

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