11 officers hospitalized after unknown chemical exposure at Collins Correctional Facility
COLLINS, N.Y. (WIVB) — 11 officers at the Collins Correctional Facility were taken to ECMC Sunday after an unknown chemical exposure took place, officials told WIVB News 4.
The officers were taken to the hospital for possible exposure to fentanyl after performing CPR on an inmate who attempted suicide, said James Miller, the director of public relations for the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.
It has not been officially confirmed if the chemical was fentanyl.
“You don’t have to ingest fentanyl,” Miller said. “You have to come into contact in some fashion and I don’t know what the fashion is, and they said possibly, so I’m using that loosely.”
Officers got lightheaded and some passed out while performing the lifesaving measures.
The New York State Police and Bureau of Criminal Investigation are handling the incident, the state police said in a statement to News 4.
“At this time, no hazardous drug or contaminants have been identified at the scene,” the NYSP said. “This is an active investigation.”
Ambulances and New York State Police vehicles were on the scene Sunday night and people were walking towards the building wearing hazmat suits.
Miller said contraband being brought into prisons is an ongoing problem with no easy solution.
“Contraband, for years, has always gotten in there through packages. As much as there’s been advancement to stop it, it still continues,” Miller said. “It’s almost impossible to stop it on some level. They made great strides based on resources that are available, but they’re still getting in.”
Miller does not know the current statuses of the officers taken to the hospital or the status of the inmate.
This is a developing story and information is limited at this time. Check back for updates.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the Erie County 24-hour hotline at (716) 834-3131 or the Niagara County 24-hour hotline at (716) 285-3515.
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Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.
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