A man has died in a possible suicide involving a chemical gas, which injured seven responders trying to save the man, Lowell police said today in a statement.

“Early indications are the death may be a suicide involving a male who has been the subject of domestic issues,’’ Lowell Police said. Captain Timothy Crowley, a spokesman for the department, said a state fire marshal and hazardous material personnel are at the scene on Rock Street and will soon determine what the gas was.

“The smell was pretty strong,’’ Crowley said of the scene. “Officers were hit by it down the block.’’


Crowley was not at the scene and did not know what the gas smelled like. Four officers, a paramedic, and two EMTs were among 11 people hospitalized after the incident. Four of the building’s residents sent for evaluation are not initially believed to be injured.

According to The Associated Press, the man was upset about an ending relationship. The deadly chemicals have been contained, and police said the public is not at risk.