Fifteen individuals hospitalized following chemical exposure at Iowa prison

At least 15 people were hospitalized after a potential chemical exposure incident at the Newton Correctional Facility in Iowa on Wednesday, according to authorities. The Newton Fire Department and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded to the facility around 12:30 p.m. after receiving reports of the exposure, as reported by WHO13. Iowa Department of Corrections Chief of Staff Paul Cornelius stated that emergency protocols were activated following the incident. A fire official indicated that the 15 individuals were sent to four hospitals across central Iowa, but the exact number of affected individuals remained unclear as of Wednesday evening. It is also unknown whether those affected were inmates or prison employees. Cornelius mentioned that the cause and nature of the exposure are under active investigation. As a precaution, the area has been secured, and relevant safety and emergency response procedures were implemented immediately. Officials from UnityPoint Health reported that four individuals were transported to a hospital in Grinnell and another four were taken to Iowa Methodist in Des Moines with non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, nine more patients were transported to medical facilities between Des Moines and Newton, according to a spokesperson from MercyOne. Cornelius stated that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available. The Newton Correctional Facility, which includes both maximum-security and medium-security units, is situated on approximately 1,500 acres of land several miles south of Newton and houses around 1,000 inmates. The Iowa Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post.