Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, entertainment, hyatt, Midwest FurFest

Midwest FurFest Evacuated After Intentional Gas Leak

Published Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:00:41 -0600

A report out of Chicago says that on December 7th, the annual Midwest FurFest, a convention celebrating art, literature and performance based around anthropomorphic animals, was interrupted an intentional chlorine gas incident. The Rosemont, IL Hyatt was evacuated at 12:40 AM after reports of a noxious odor was spreading across the ninth floor. High levels of chlorine gas was discovered in the air by first responders.

The hotel was evacuated causing the thousands of convention goers outside in their costumes. 19 people were taken to the hospital after complaints of nausea, dizziness and other medical problems. Others were sheltered at nearby facilities, including the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.People were allowed back into the hotel at 4:20 AM.

The source of the leak turned out to be powdered chlorine discovered in a 9th floor stairwell. The way the substance was released suggested an intentional act and Rosemont police are investigating the incident as a criminal matter.

Organizers of the Midwest FurFest said no refunds will be offered by the convention nor the hotel as the incident was an unforeseeable criminal act and the convention would continue the next day.

[Source: Chicago Tribune]

[Photo: Midwest FurFest]

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