posted 09-17-2002 10:10 AM               

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Mysterious gas sickens 11, closes BLM office

The Associated Press
9/17/02 3:15 AM

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (AP) -- An odorless, colorless gas that sickened 11 people has forced closure of the Bureau of Land Management offices here until at least Thursday while the substance is being analyzed.

One person collapsed in the parking lot and three were hospitalized briefly Friday after the vapor was noticed.

Some employees and Prineville firemen complained of burning throats and eyes, dry mouths, shortness of breath and momentary loss of consciousness.

Yellow crime scene tape surrounded the offices on Monday. FBI and BLM agents were called in and a public affairs officer said information about the case is classified.

John Hite, a division chief with the Prineville Fire Department, said the source of the gas had been narrowed to an office near the center of the large single-story office complex that houses the BLM here, but did not say why investigators believe it is the source.

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