CHESTER, Ill. -- A dozen staff members at a southern Illinois correctional facility were taken to a hospital after experiencing some medical symptoms.
A spokesperson with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) responded to WSIL's request for information and said one of their staff members at the Menard Correctional Center had medical symptoms they were experiencing and was then taken to a hospital by ambulance.
Shortly later, more staff members there who responded to the incident started experiencing symptoms which were similar of what the other staff member was experiencing.
Out of caution, the IDOC spokesperson said 11 more staff members were then taken to a hospital as well.
Authorities said all Menard Correctional Center staff members have since been released from the hospital.
The Illinois Poison Control Center, along with the St. Clair County EMA's Hazmat Team, is assisting with the investigation.
The Menard Correctional Center is placed on a level 1 lockdown and all personal protective equipment (PPE) is available to the staff members there.
"We commend our staff for their swift and effective response, ensuring that everyone received the necessary medical care. The Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the events at Menard, and we will share further information as it becomes available," the IDOC spokesperson said. "Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our staff and the individuals in our custody."
The AFSCME Council 31 have sent a statement in regards to this incident...
