Military base evacuated following delivery of suspicious package containing white powder

Several people have been taken to hospital after falling ill following the arrival of a suspicious package at a US military base.

Joint Base Andrews in Maryland was partially evacuated after staff opened the package and found it contained white powder.

While an initial HAZMAT test found no hazardous substance, the building and room where the package was opened remains closed as of this morning.

Investigators say the package also contained ‘political propaganda’, the Independen

Emergency services were dispatched following the incident just after 1pm yesterday.

Several people working at the site were taken to be treated at the Malcolm Grove Medical Center. The exact nature of their condition is unclear.

A spokesperson for JBA said the building containing the package and a connecting building were both evacuated as a precaution.

They added: ‘First responders were dispatched to the scene, determined there were no immediate threats, and normal operations have resumed. An investigation is currently ongoing.’

Home to the fleet of presidential aircraft, including Air Force One, Joint Base One also houses the Boeing 747 which can be deployed as an emergency nuclear command and control center.

Located close to the capital, Washington DC, the base is where the president usually departs on trips.

Donald Trump is expected to travel through the base today on his way to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

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