GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Several staff members of Perryville prison were taken to a local hospital Tuesday morning after being exposed to a "white powder substance" at the prison's San Carlos unit, prison officials said.
Fire and HazMat crews from Goodyear, AFMA, and Phoenix responded to the situation. The three people exposed were taken to the hospital before fire departments arrived, officials said. More patients have been hospitalized since then.
The Arizona Department of Corrections said a small bag of white powder was found in a transport vehicle. The substance was handed to a corrections officer who later reported feeling dizzy and light-headed. A short time later, seven more staff members reported feeling similar symptoms.
A total of 12 staff members and two inmates were taken to a local hospital as a precaution and all have since been released, DOC said. The two inmates have returned to their housing unit.
There is no word on what exactly the substance is at this time.
The Goodyear Fire Department said they've determined the substance to be "non-hazardous." A sample of the substance will be sent to a state lab for further testing, officials said.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for more updates.
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