Several people fall ill after suspicious package at Joint Base Andrews
A suspicious package delivered to a US military base in Maryland led to several illnesses and hospitalizations, CNN reported on Thursday. The incident occurred at Joint Base Andrews, located near Washington, D.C.
“As a precaution, the building and connecting building were evacuated, and a cordon was established around the area,” said a statement from Joint Base Andrews.
According to the report, multiple individuals became ill after a person opened a package containing an unidentified white powder. The affected personnel were transported to Malcolm Grove Medical Center on the base. Their health status has not yet been disclosed.
CNN, citing sources familiar with the investigation, stated that the package contained an unknown white substance. First responders at Joint Base Andrews found no immediate threat and later turned the scene over to the Office of Special Investigations.
An initial hazmat field test failed to detect any hazardous materials, although officials confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
Joint Base Andrews is widely known as the home of Air Force One, the aircraft that carries the President of the United States.
Summary
A suspicious package with white powder at Joint Base Andrews forced an evacuation and sent several people to the hospital, though early tests found no immediate hazard.