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StumbleuponReport of chemical irritant empties church
Friday, September 26, 2008
DAYTON — A service held by the Islamic Society of Greater Dayton on Friday night, Sept. 26, to recognize and celebrate Ramadan was disrupted when a suspected chemical irritant forced them out of the church and into the streets.
Dayton fire emergency personnel were dispatched to the Society's center at 26 Josie St., near downtown, about 9:45 p.m. on a report of a chemical irritant in the basement.
Emergency medical personnel set up triage stations in at least two places — along South Keowee Street and at Josie and McLain streets — to treat those who complained of burning eyes and labored breathing.
Ismail Gula, ISGD secretary, said people were praying during the weekly service when some in the audience began to cough and experience breathing troubles, then left the building.
Once outside, one of them called 911, Gula said.
According to fire dispatch communications, a child reported seeing two men with a white can spraying something into a window. That child was brought to the supervising firefighter at the scene.
Fire dispatch communications also revealed that one adult and one child were taken to area hospitals for treatment related to the irritant.
Emergency personnel used towels and saline to wipe the eyes of several of the people who had been in the building.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. During the month, Muslims fast (do not eat) from sunrise to sunset. In the evening and in the morning before the sun comes up, they eat small meals. During this month, they take extra time for family, inner reflection, and spiritual growth.
Stay with DaytonDailyNews.com for more on this story.
