U.S. Army officials say 11 soldiers in Fort Bliss, Texas were sick after drinking an industrial precinct found in antifreeze
An investigation into what made eleven soldiers who ingested an unauthorized substance ill shows that they drank an industrial compound found in antifreeze believed to be alcohol after a 10-day field training exercise at Fort Bliss in Texas, according to van report U.S. Army officers.
Lieutenant Colonel Allie Payne, a public affairs officer in the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said during a press conference that early laboratory reports indicate that soldiers were consuming ethylene glycol, which is commonly found in automotive products. including engine coolant and brake fluid.
The eleven soldiers – including two who were in serious condition – were being treated at Army Medical Center William Beaumont in the border town of El Paso, Texas, where they have been since Thursday afternoon, Fort Bliss said. Two soldiers had needed critical attention, but their conditions improved.
One of the soldiers had to be intubated, but he no longer needs help breathing, Payne said. Up to four soldiers were expected to leave the hospital soon.
It is not clear why the soldiers thought what they were drinking was alcohol.
Drinking alcohol is prohibited for Army personnel on duty, even in a training setting, Payne said. It is unclear what kind of disciplinary action soldiers could face if they consumed alcohol while on duty.
Ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless, viscous liquid at room temperature. When used in antifreeze, fluorescent coloring such as yellow or green is usually added. The effects of compound ingestion can range from euphoria to headaches and nausea or organ failure.
The eleven soldiers who fell ill are assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, the 32nd Army Air Defense and Missile Command, Payne said, and no other soldiers appear to have been affected.
Among the patients are 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 medical care available,” Major General Sean C. Bernabe, commander-in-chief of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss mission, said in a statement. “Our leaders are committed to all levels to provide guidance, information and attention to their teammates.”
Fort Bliss officials said the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is investigating. The commander-in-chief of Fort Bliss has also led an administrative investigation.
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Acacia Coronado is a member of the body of the Associated Press / Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a national nonprofit services program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on covert issues. He reported from Austin, Texas.