(7 Dec 2014) A chlorine gas leak at a suburban Chicago hotel hosting a furry convention sent 19 people to hospital suffering nausea and dizziness early on Sunday.
Thousands of guests at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont were also evacuated, including many wearing cartoonish animal costumes for an annual "furries" convention, who were ushered across the street to a convention centre hosting a dog show.
The Rosemont Public Safety Department said authorities responded to the hotel at around 12:45 am local time (0645 GMT).
The source of the gas was apparently chlorine powder left in a ninth-floor stairwell at the hotel, according to the Rosemont Public Safety Department.
Investigators believe the gas was created intentionally and are treating it as a criminal matter.
The hotel was hosting the 2014 Midwest FurFest convention, also called Anthrocon, where attendees dress as animals to celebrate art, literature and performance.
Nineteen people who became nauseous or dizzy were treated at local hospitals, and at least 18 were released shortly thereafter.
Within hours, emergency workers decontaminated the Hyatt Regency O'Hare and allowed people back inside.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
