U.S. Army officials say 11 soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas, fell ill after drinking an industrial mixture found in antifreeze
An investigation into what sickened 11 soldiers who ingested an unauthorized substance shows they drank an industrial substance found in antifreeze believing it to be alcohol after 10-day field training at Fort Bliss, Texas, officials said. of the US Army Friday.
Lieutenant Colonel Allie Payne, public affairs officer for the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said in a press conference that initial lab reports indicate that the soldiers consumed ethylene glycol, which is often found in automotive products, including engine coolant and brake fluid.
The 11 soldiers – including two in serious condition – were being treated at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in the border town of El Paso, Texas, where they have been since Thursday afternoon, Fort Bliss said. Two soldiers had been in need of critical care, but their conditions improved.
One of the soldiers had to be intubated, but no longer needs breathing help, Payne said. Up to four soldiers were expected to be released from the hospital soon.
It is unclear why the soldiers thought what they drank was alcohol.
Drinking alcohol is prohibited for military personnel on duty, including in a training environment, Payne said. It is unclear what kind of disciplinary action soldiers may face if they consume alcohol while on duty.
Ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless and viscous liquid at room temperature. When used in antifreeze, fluorescent colors such as yellow or green are usually added. The effects of ingestion of the substance can range from euphoria to headache and nausea or organ failure.
The 11 soldiers who fell ill are assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Payne said, and no other soldiers appear to have been affected.
Those who are sick include a non-commissioned officer, two non-commissioned officers and eight enlisted members, Fort Bliss officials said in a previous statement.
“We took immediate action to treat everyone involved with the best possible medical care,” Major General Sean C. Bernabe, senior mission commander of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said in a statement. level to provide guidance, information and care for their teammates. “
Fort Bliss officials said the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is investigating. The Fort Bliss senior commander has also led an administrative inquiry.
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Acacia Coronado is a corps member of the Associated Press / Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a national nonprofit service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on hidden issues. She reported from Austin, Texas.