MIAMI (WSVN) - Bomb squad units have responded to the Miami-Dade County Pre-Trial Detention Center after seven staff members fell ill and were transported to the hospital.
City of Miami Fire Rescue crews responded to the center, located at 1321 NW 13th St., at around 1:30 p.m., for the second day in a row after reports of people falling ill.
The center was later placed on a precautionary lockdown after a box with an unknown liquid substance inside was found.
“Our hazardous materials team went in to check the environment, and it is protocol to request additional resources when you identify something that is unknown,” said Miami Fire Rescue Capt. Ignatius Carroll. “As a result, you see the bomb squad is out here, you see other agencies that are out here because the corrections facility does not want to take any chances. They want to be able to identify what this substance is, what’s been causing several of their employees and inmates to be sick.”
Staff members reportedly had nausea, dizziness and vomiting after they were exposed to the liquid, but as of late Wednesday night have been released from the hospital.
“Several of the employees were continuing their search from last night’s incident throughout the day and came across some unknown substance,” said Carroll. “When they were looking into that substance, one person became sick, and as a result, other employees responded to their aid and were also exposed.”
Miami-Dade Corrections Public Information Officer Juan Diasgranados issued the following statement:
“An unknown substance was found and, in an abundance of caution, is being considered suspicious. Several employees were transported this afternoon from the Pre-Trial Detention Center for medical evaluation as a precautionary measure. Along with our public safety partners, we are investigating this substance and will take extraordinary measures to address this incident. As always, Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department remains committed to the safety and welfare of our employees, the inmates in our custody, and the public we serve.”
On Tuesday night, seven people were taken to area hospitals from the same location after falling ill.
Four of the victims were inmates and three were correctional officers. All are said to be in good condition.
#UPDATE: All staff have been released from the hospital. Today’s incident remains under investigation.
— MiamiDadeCorrections (@MDCCorrections) June 27, 2019
According to a spokesperson for Miami-Dade Corrections, all staff members have been released from the hospital as of Wednesday night.
The incident remains under investigation.
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