U.S. military officials say 11 soldiers in Fort Bliss, Texas, are sick after drinking an industrial compound found in the antifreeze.
An investigation into what made 11 soldiers who took an unauthorized drug ill show that they drank an industrial compound found in the antifreeze, and believe it was alcohol after a 10-day training exercise in Fort Bliss in Texas, the U.S. military said Friday.
Lt. Col. Allie Payne, Public Affairs Officer of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said during a press conference that initial laboratory reports indicate that soldiers are consuming ethylene glycol, which is common in automotive products, including engine coolant and brake fluid.
The 11 soldiers – including two who were in a serious condition – were treated at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in the border town of El Paso, Texas, where they have been since Thursday afternoon, Fort Bliss said. Two soldiers needed critical care, but their conditions improved.
One of the soldiers had to intubate but no longer needed breathing assistance, Payne said. Up to four soldiers are expected to be discharged from the hospital soon.
It is unclear why the soldiers thought they were drinking alcohol.
Alcohol is prohibited for military personnel on duty, even in a training environment, Payne said. It is unclear what type of disciplinary action the soldiers may face if they drink alcohol while on duty.
Ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless and viscous liquid at room temperature. When used against antifreeze, fluorescent dyes such as yellow or green are usually added. The effects of taking the compound can range from euphoria to headaches and nausea or organ failure.
The 11 soldiers who fell ill were assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Payne said, and no other soldiers appear to be affected.
The sick include one warrant officer, two non-commissioned officers and eight designated members, Fort Bliss officials said in an earlier statement.
“We acted immediately to treat everyone involved with the best medical care,” Major General Sean C. Bernabe, senior mission commander of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said in a statement. ‘Our leaders are involved at every level to provide guidance, information and care to their teammates. ”
Fort Bliss officials said the U.S. military is investigating. The senior commander of Fort Bliss also launched an administrative investigation.
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Acacia Coronado is a member of the Corps for the Associated Press / Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that puts journalists in local newsrooms to report on national issues. She reports from Austin, Texas.