Eleven US soldiers hospitalised after drinking anti-freeze ‘mistaken for alcohol’

The soldiers, from Fort Bliss in Texas, were on a 10-day field exercise.

In a statement the US military confirmed the soldiers were suffering from “ethylene glycol”, usually called antifreeze, poisoning.

It said: “Initial reports indicate soldiers consumed this substance, thinking they were drinking an alcoholic beverage.

“Army and Fort Bliss regulations prohibit the consumption of alcohol in a field training environment. Initial toxicology results indicate the soldiers are experiencing ethylene glycol poisoning.”

The military added this substance had been “acquired outside of authorised food supply distribution channels”.

Currently the eleven soldiers remain in hospital though their names have not been released to the public.

America’s 17,000 strong 1st Armoured Division is based out of Fort Bliss.

Those affected consisted of a warrant officer, two non-commissioned officers and eight enlisted soldiers, the Army said.

For Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20 some 20,000 National Guard soldiers were brought to Washington D.C. from across the United States.

Members of the National Guard usually have full-time civilian jobs and serve with the military on a part time basis.

It followed the storming of Congress on January 6 which resulted in the death of five people.

Lt. Col. Allie Payne is public affairs officer for the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss.

According to USA Today, she told a news conference on Friday: “Our primary concern remains the well-being of our soldiers, our families and the unit,” Payne said.

“Our teammates are receiving the best medical resources available.”

She added that “unit and installation chaplains are also attending to those in need at this time.”

William Beaumont Army Medical Center Deputy Commander for Medical Services Shawna Scully told the publication several soldiers may be released on Friday night.

SOURCE