Seven people hospitalized after opening 'suspicious' package at military base

(AFP) At least seven people were briefly hospitalized after a package containing a white powder was opened at a military base near Washington on Thursday, media reported.

Andrews Air Force Base, regularly used for presidential flights, confirmed in a statement to the media that parts of the facility were evacuated "after an individual opened a suspicious package."

CNN indicated that a specialized hazardous materials team (HAZMAT) determined that the substance was not harmful, but an investigation is ongoing.

People who were taken from the base to the hospital were discharged, CNN added.

Some of them said they felt a headache, according to Fox News.

CNN said, citing two unidentified sources, that the package contained an "unknown" white powder and "political propaganda" that was being evaluated by investigators.

Andrews Air Force Base specified that after initially ruling out that there was no immediate threat, they left the case to the Office of Special Investigations.

A spokesman for the air base did not immediately respond to AFP's request for confirmation of the incident.

The base is a short distance from the capital and is frequently used for flights by senior government officials.

President Donald Trump's last landing at this base was Wednesday on an Air Force One flight carrying him from Florida, where he attended a business forum.