PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Local police and federal authorities are investigating after a suspected drug lab triggered the evacuation of a hotel along Providence’s waterfront.
Lt. Roger Aspinal says police were dispatched to the Hilton Garden Inn at India Point around 4 p.m. Tuesday after heavy smoke was seen emanating from a third-floor room.
Firefighters evacuated the hotel after their sensors determined that the fumes were toxic.
Police say hotel security found four men inside the room when they initially investigated the incident. Investigators later found a chemical suit along with towels and blue dye inside the room.
The suspects fled by the time police arrived.
Specialists from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration worked with firefighters to ventilate the room. Guests were allowed back in their rooms by 8 p.m.
