Unknown Substance Released At Atlanta Airport

WSB-TV ^ | 4/15/02 | Channel 2 Action News

[PJeffQ]

Unknown Substance Released At Hartsfield
By Channel 2 Action News

April 15, 2002 -- An unknown substance was reportedly released at Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport today, forcing an evacuation.

The airport's north terminal has been blocked off.

People are reporting some type irritation to their eyes and throat. Two persons were transported to Southern Regional Hospital, and police are investigating the cause of the irritant.

Police and fire have blocked off the North Terminal. The incident took place in the North ticketing area.

In addition to Atlanta police units, Clayton County is also sending police to the airport to assist in the hazardous materials incident.

After patrolling the airport since last fall, the National Guard turned over airport security to off-duty police officers just this weekend.

The airport was last evacuated on Nov. 16 when Michael Lasser, 33, he ran down an up escalator at Hartsfield. He said he did so to get back to his son at the gate. The security breach shut down Hartsfield for hours.

Lassiter, who was flying to a University of Georgia football game, was sentenced to five weekends in jail and 500 hours of community service. He also was barred from attending University of Georgia football games this fall.

"I made a mistake, and my family and I have suffered greatly for it," Lasseter said in court. "I'm here today to accept responsibility for my actions and the response from the court."

Three other criminal charges were dropped in exchange for the guilty plea. The full sentence was two one-year probated jail terms.

"I wish you well," Judge Morris Braswell told Lasseter. "I don't anticipate seeing you again."

Stay tuned to Channel 2 Action News for updates on the latest incident.

[epluribus_2]

here we go again - remember those heady days after the thrax attax? (powder found in locker, subway closed due to odor, Big Boy surrounded by FBI...) Hope we do/did not cry wolf too many times.

[inflorida]

Time for a shower?

[Oldeconomybuyer]

People are reporting some type irritation to their eyes and throat

Flatus humungus.

[Arkie2]

Butt then that's another story ;^)

[TomGuy]

Time for a shower?

Yikes!!!! I can't...drain is plugged...been waiting all day for the plumber!!!! O woe is me...agony of agonies...but I do have a little spray bottle...for emergency situations.

[Poohbah]

That was my first thought...

[Cold Heat]

Vegitarian fart?

[PJeffQ]

First heard it on Fox News, WSB was the first place I was able to find it online. Even flipped to CNN after I heard it on Fox, assuming CNN might have more due to their HQ location, but so far nothing.

[Mixer]

What do they mean by "released" has anyone reported seeing a gas released into the air?

[PJeffQ]

According to Fox News, at least 2 people were sent to the hospital.

[steve-b]

People are reporting some type irritation to their eyes and throat.

[Redcloak]

Any new developments to report? I've turned off the water and I'm waiting until I know it's safe to rinse.

[Diddle E. Squat]

"Abdul, Osama wanted a Fatah martyr, not a farter martyr. Doh!"

[flying Elvis]

If it was irritating and unknown in Atlanta is must have been that rare vapor rarely present there these days: the Truth.

[PJeffQ]

You're a winner.... WSB TV's website indicates that

[Cogadh na Sith]

Yep, or one of those 'mass hysteria' effects--or both!