Photo: Andrew Goff.

The Bayshore Mall Walmart was forced to temporarily close its doors this morning after a freon gas pipe burst in the freezer area, exhaling the dangerous refrigerant into the open air.

The breakage happened just after 9 a.m., according to store manager Keith Elward, who spoke to the Outpost’s Andrew Goff at the scene. The store was quickly evacuated. Employees are milling about to the rear of the mall until further orders are given.

Repairmen are on the way, Elward said, but currently there is no estimated time of reopening.

The rest of the mall is still open.

The Bayshore Mall Walmart is Humboldt County’s only Walmart. People looking to get their Walmart shopping done this morning can drive to Crescent City or Redding.