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Chemical Used in Apparent Suicide at San Jose's Hotel Fairmont Sends Multiple People to Hospital

The Hotel Farimont in San Jose, California has evacuated three floors after a chemical used in an apparent suicide also sickened several employees and guests. The hotel is one of several adjacent to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center where Crunchyroll Expo is currently taking place this weekend. Authorities have shut down Market Street between San Carlos and San Fernando while the investigation is ongoing.

The Mercury News reported that an individual used a poisonous chemical in the suicide attempt. The local fire department arrived at the hotel at approximately 10 a.m. after staff discovered a woman deceased on the 19th floor and smelled a chemical odor. The chemical has not been identified but eight employees and guests were treated at the hotel before being transported to the hospital.

San Jose Fire Department Captain Mitch Matlow told The Mercury News that the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. The affected individuals described feeling light-headed, faint, or experiencing shortness of breath. The chemical's odor was described as smelling like rotten eggs, leading Matlow to believe it may have been hydrogen sulfide gas.

The hotel's ventilation system was shut down after the 19th, 20th, and 21st floors were evacuated to contain the chemical for the investigation. The hotel lobby and businesses located on the first floor are still operating. Fire trucks, ambulances, and a hazardous materials truck responded the scene.

This situation is still developing, check back for further updates.

Update: 08/31 5:51 p.m.: The Mercury News has updated the number of those treated for illness to nine. Those affected were seven hotel staff members and two guests at the hotel. Guests are being allowed to return to two of the three affected floors. The 19th floor is still closed.

Source: The Mercury News (Nico Savidge)