Fumes Affect 14 at U.S. Embassy in Australia
Noxious fumes spread through the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday after batteries powering an emergency generator malfunctioned, and 14 people were hospitalized as a precaution, an embassy official said.
Deputy Head of Mission Richard Teare denied reports that there was a fire and explosion.
“A couple of batteries took on too much charge and began expelling too much fumes,” Teare said.
Australian Associated Press reported that a Marine, seven embassy employees and six firemen were treated for eye and throat inflammation.
Teare said the 14 who were treated in a hospital were released within two hours without ill effects.
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