AN underground station was closed for more than an hour on Monday morning – after rotting food in the staff fridge caused a safety scare.
Staff suspected the foul smell was caused by an ammonia leak in the booking office and called the emergency services.
Underground staff evacuated the station and cordoned off the entrance.
Crowds of disgruntled would-be passengers gathered outside but were told to walk up to Swiss Cottage or West Hampstead station.
Three fire engines arrived and removed appliances from the station and platform hosing them down in the bus line on the Finchley Road causing delays to buses.
Eventually, a crack team of spillage specialists identified the staff fridge as the problem.
One of the Firemen said: “It looks like a waste of time I’m afraid. There was no ammonia leak – some rotten old food could have caused that stench.” Normal service was resumed at 11.07 am.
A London Underground spokeswoman said: “The Fire Brigade were called after staff smelt a strong smell. The fridge was removed and the station was closed for safety reasons.”