Gas Odor Forces Jail Evacuations
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SAN JOSE — A mysterious odor sent 16 people to hospitals on Wednesday and twice forced the evacuation of hundreds of inmates from cells at the Santa Clara County Jail.
The source of the apparent gas leak could not be located. “It’s a mystery, but we determined that whatever it was was not explosive or toxic,” said Fire Capt. Dave Moore.
Eight city employees were treated for nausea at nearby hospitals in the first incident, which took place around 9 a.m., police said.
Officials moved 1,350 inmates to the roof of the new jail building and to recreation areas in the old jail building. The second evacuation was made when the smell returned about 1:45 p.m. Eight people, seven of them jail officers, complained of nausea and headaches.
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