Mail addressed to the Division of Finance at the Sedgwick County Courthouse prompted a Hazmat response Monday afternoon.
A Division of Finance employee opened the mail at her workstation on the 8th floor of the courthouse. She noticed an odor and a powdery substance inside the envelope. Shortly after, she began experiencing respiratory issues and skin irritation.
County personnel called the Wichita Fire Department, who then shut down ventilation to the 8th floor. The employee who opened the mail was decontaminated and taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
Three other employees, two courthouse police officers, and two Sheriff Deputies were decontaminated as a precaution.
A Hazmat ID test was conducted and the powdery substance in the envelope was determine to be a diaminotoluene.
The Sheriff’s Office contacted the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. The investigation is ongoing.
