CHARLESTOWN, R.I. (AP) – Charlestown police have been unable to identify a suspected toxic substance that sent four people to the hospital Sunday.
But Michael Sweeney, chief of investigations for the state fire marshall’s office, said it appears to be part of a Molotov cocktail, which is a makeshift explosive.
Charlestown police said Tracy Ready backed over a jar containing the liquid in her driveway, then got it on her hands.
A friend of Ready was exposed to the liquid, which Ready said caused a burning sensation.
Two police officers who responded to the scene were overcome by fumes.
All were treated and released at a local hospital.
Tests by the state couldn’t determine what it was. Police said it may have been diluted by rainwater. The incident is under investigation.
AP-ES-01-01-08 1438EST
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