US Army officials say 11 soldiers in Fort Bliss, Texas, fell ill after drinking an industrial compound found in antifreeze
An investigation into what made 11 soldiers who took an unauthorized substance sick shows that they drank an industrial compound found in the antifreeze believed to be alcohol after a 10-day field training exercise in Fort Bliss, Texas, U.S. Army officials said. on Friday.
Lieutenant Colonel Allie Payne, public officer in the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said during a news conference that initial laboratory reports indicate that soldiers consumed ethylene glycol, commonly found in automotive products, including engine coolant and engine fluid. brake.
The 11 soldiers – including two in serious condition – were being treated at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in the border city of El Paso, Texas, where they have been since Thursday afternoon, Fort Bliss said. Two soldiers needed intensive care, but their conditions were improved.
One of the soldiers had to be intubated, but he no longer needs help breathing, said Payne. Up to four soldiers were expected to be released from the hospital soon.
It is not clear why the soldiers thought that what they were drinking was alcohol.
Drinking alcohol is prohibited for Army personnel on duty, including during a training environment, Payne said. It is not clear 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 dye, such as yellow or green, is usually added. The effects of ingesting the compound can range from euphoria to headaches and nausea or organ failure.
The 11 soldiers who became ill are assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air Defense Command and Missiles, Payne said, and no other soldiers appear to have been affected.
Patients include a noncommissioned officer, two noncommissioned officers and eight recruits, Fort Bliss officials said in an earlier statement.
“We took immediate steps to treat everyone involved with the best medical care available,” Major General Sean C. Bernabe, senior commander of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said in a statement. “Our leaders are engaged at each level to provide guidance, information and care for their teammates.”
Fort Bliss officials said the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is investigating. The senior commander at Fort Bliss also conducted an administrative investigation.
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Acacia Coronado is a member of the Associated Press / Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a national nonprofit service program that puts journalists in local newsrooms to report on covert issues. She reported from Austin, Texas.