Fort Bliss Army Base officials said that the 11 soldiers injured during a Thursday training session have actually drunk antifreeze, taking it for booze.
The soldiers have received immediate medical care but two of them remain in critical condition at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso.
The incident came after a 10-day field training exercise; according to Lt. Col. Allie Payne who added that toxicology results revealed that the injured ingested ethylene glycol, a substance that’s often used in engines and automotive industries as coolant.
If consumed, the colorless liquid can cause euphoria, nausea, headaches, and organ failure. One of the soldiers had to be intubated after the intoxication.
Maj. Gen. Sean Bernabe said that army officials “took immediate action to treat everyone involved with the best medical care available.”
“Our leaders are engaged at every level to provide guidance, information, and care for their teammates,” Bernabe said.
The soldiers are eight enlisted officers, two non-commissioned officers, and one warrant officer. It was not clear if they will face disciplinary measures.
