Multiple People Fall Ill After Suspicious Package at Joint Base Andrews
A suspicious package containing white powder was delivered to Joint Base Andrews, a U.S. military base in Maryland, causing several people to become ill and prompting hospitalizations, CNN reported on Thursday.
Incident and Response
After an individual opened the suspicious package, a building on the base was evacuated as a safety measure. The evacuation also included an adjacent building, and authorities established a cordoned perimeter around the area.
“As a precaution, the building and connecting building were evacuated, and a cordon was established around the area.”
Several individuals were taken to the Malcolm Grow Medical Center located on the base. The exact severity of their conditions has not been disclosed.
Details on the Package and Investigation
According to sources cited by CNN, the white powder inside the package was unidentified. First responders at Joint Base Andrews concluded that there was no immediate danger and handed over the investigation to the Office of Special Investigations.
“An initial field test from the HAZMAT team did not detect anything hazardous, but the investigation remains ongoing.”
Significance of Joint Base Andrews
Joint Base Andrews is well-known as the home base of Air Force One, the airplane used to transport the President of the United States.
Summary
The suspicious package event at Joint Base Andrews triggered health concerns and safety protocols, with investigations continuing to determine the exact nature of the white powder.
Author's summary: A suspicious package with white powder at Joint Base Andrews led to illness and hospitalization, but no immediate hazard was found as investigations proceed.