11 officers hospitalized after unknown chemical exposure at Collins Correctional Facility
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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.
Officers got lightheaded and some passed out while performing the lifesaving measures.
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."
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.
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.