ISHPEMING, MI-- Authorities believe a call to Bell Hospital about exposure to nerve gas is actually related to fumes from a meth lab.
The Marquette County Sheriff’s Department says the Poison Control Center called the hospital Thursday around 7:45 p.m., saying a woman was bringing in a 23-year-old man who had been exposed to a possible World War II nerve agent. Bell initiated lock-down procedures and prepared for decontamination operations. Marquette General Hospital was also notified and initiated its own lock-down procedures.
When Bell staff contacted the female caller via cell phone she said the victim had been dropped off at MGH, but the man never arrived.
Police say investigation reveals the incident isn’t a hoax or threat. They believe the man may have been exposed to and ingested fumes from a meth lab days earlier. They say it’s likely the woman feared being suspected of meth use and used the nerve gas story to conceal her involvement.
Officials contacted the victim, who did not require medical attention.
The Marquette County Prosecutor’s Office’ is reviewing the case for possible charges.
