Seven inmates from Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles are hospitalized following an incident on Tuesday morning, where they were exposed to an unknown substance. This event, saw one inmate in critical condition and six in serious condition, as reported by KTLA. Following the incident, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) was dispatched to the facility at approximately 441 Bauchet Street shortly before 7 a.m.
When a large number of emergency responders were on the scene, a triage center was set up as a precautionary measure but was ultimately not used, as per FOX LA. Earlier this month, the jail had been the site of another occurrence, where seven inmates needed hospitalization and one inmate died after a suspected overdose involving an "unknown white powder," demonstrating a troubling pattern of substance-related incidents.
The response this morning involved multiple ambulances and a significant presence from the Sheriff's Department. According to the LAFD, the seven inmates affected were in Dorm 5600 of the secured sheriff's facility when they were exposed. Once treated on scene, the inmates were transported to area hospitals for further evaluation and care.
A hazardous materials team from the LAFD was called to the jail to conduct an environmental assessment to identify any potential escalating or off-site hazards resulted in no additional patients being found, as stated in an update by the LAFD. The LAFD handed control over to the County of Los Angeles Health Hazardous Materials Division and LASD officials, indicating that no immediate danger to the surrounding area was identified.
