Five Transportation Safety Administration agents became sick and had to be taken to the hospital after they inhaled a pesticide while screening luggage at Miami International Airport.
The TSA agents found a 3-oz shampoo bottle that contained a strong pesticide inside a bag as it went through an explosive detective system. The system set off an alarm, forcing the TSA screeners to open the bag. The chemical had leaked the bag and the agents were overcome by the smell, CBS reports.
Four TSA agents complained of headaches from the smell of the chemical. Two of them started throwing up and complained of abdominal pain. Some of the agents were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital. A fifth victim was treated at the airport.
A hazmat team contained the substance after the incident.
The incident occurred near gate D25 at the airport. No flights were delayed or cancelled while an investigation went on.
The bag with the chemical belonged to a passenger on an inbound flight from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. They were scheduled to change planes before heading to Baltimore. Since they were changing flights, the bag had to be rescreened and that's when the TSA found the pesticide in the bag.
The owner of the bag was questioned by Miami-Dade Police and the TSA. The claimed that the pesticide was homemade. The bag was not placed on the flight to Baltimore as hazardous materials are not allowed on checked bags.
It wasn't clear why the passenger had the pesticide and it is unclear if they will face any charges. The name of the passenger hasn't been released. The flight to Baltimore left on time.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
