DARRINGTON, Wash. (AP) — A mysterious white smoke from a trash bin sent seven people to the hospital with breathing problems Thursday, authorities said.
The smoke emanated from the bin as it was being dumped into a garbage truck near Darrington City Hall and a fire station, said Snohomish County Fire District 24 Commissioner Dennis Vincent. He said no smoke came from the bin until it was dumped into the truck.
Vincent said the seven people needed help breathing when they were taken to Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington. Among them were the truck driver, two electricians who felt a burning sensation in their throats, and five other people who were working nearby.
Hospital spokeswoman Kelly Penny said five of the people were treated and are in stable condition, and two were being evaluated. One person had been released.
They had complained of breathing distress, burning eyes and a tight chest, she said. All had to remove their clothes and shower before they were admitted to the emergency room.
A two-block area around City Hall and the fire station were evacuated as authorities awaited hazardous material help from fire departments in Marysville and Everett.
The source and nature of the smoke were being investigated, Vincent said.
