Several Fall Ill at Joint Base Andrews After Suspicious Package Delivery
A suspicious package containing an unidentified white substance caused several people to fall ill at Joint Base Andrews, a U.S. military installation near Washington, D.C.
According to CNN, the incident occurred after someone opened the package in one of the base’s buildings. The affected individuals were treated at the on-base Malcolm Grove Medical Center.
“As a precaution, the building and connecting building (at the base) were evacuated, and a cordon was established around the area,” stated the Joint Base Andrews command.
Evacuation and Investigation
The building where the package was opened also houses the Air National Guard Readiness Center. Following the evacuation, base emergency teams secured the area and handed control of the site to the Office of Special Investigations.
“Joint Base Andrews first responders were dispatched to the scene, determined there were no immediate threats, and have turned the scene over to the Office of Special Investigations,” CNN reported.
Ongoing Response
An official investigation is underway to determine the source and composition of the white powder. Joint Base Andrews, located in Maryland, is frequently used by U.S. President Donald Trump for flights to national and international engagements.
Author’s summary: An unidentified substance at Joint Base Andrews led to several illnesses and evacuations, prompting a federal investigation into the cause of the incident.