A chlorine gas leak that sickened 19 people Sunday during an annual furry convention at a suburban Chicago hotel was intentionally caused, police say.
The Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont was reportedly evacuated early Sunday because of high levels of chlorine gas in the air. Investigators are treating the leak as a criminal matter after powdered chlorine was found in a 9th floor stairwell, The Associated Press reported.
At least 19 people were sent to hospitals complaining of nausea and dizziness.
The hotel is hosting the annual Midwest FurFest convention, where attendees dress as animals, or “furries,” to celebrate art, literature and performance, the AP reported.
“A lot of people thought this was just someone pulling the fire alarm,” attendee Thomas Zell said, adding that it is not uncommon for someone to trigger the alarm at such events, the Chicago Tribune reported. “But it was serious this time.”
“It was shocking,” said Morgan Smejkal while standing outside the hotel dressed in a red panda animal suit, the Tribune reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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