Home / Disasters and Accidents / Ricin Confirmed in Hastings Apartment Evacuation
Ricin Confirmed in Hastings Apartment Evacuation
13 Sep
Summary
- Ricin exposure confirmed at Hastings apartment complex.
- Residents evacuated, some pets still inside awaiting rescue.
- Health officials are working to determine if ricin is still present.
Confirmed ricin exposure has led to the evacuation of residents from the Tyden Lofts apartment complex in Hastings. The situation began when a patient with potential ricin exposure sought medical attention, with the exposure traced back to the apartment complex. Testing has now confirmed the presence of ricin, a natural poison.
Health officials are making the rescue of pets left behind by evacuated residents a top priority. Ensuring the animals have adequate food and water has been a focus, with efforts underway to safely remove them from the premises. Residents were forced to leave behind necessities like personal belongings, medication, and cellphones.
Access to the Tyden Lofts remains restricted by order of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Teams are actively working to ascertain if ricin is still present in the building and if additional cleanup measures are required. The timeline for residents to return to their homes remains undetermined as the investigation and remediation continue.
