A group of 11 US soldiers
were hospitalised at Fort Bliss hospital in Texas on Thursday after consuming
antifreeze which they confused for alcohol. Two of the service members are in serious
condition, said Army officers on Friday reported The Washington Post.

Lt. Col. Allie Payne,
a spokesperson for the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss said in a news
conference that soldiers drank the toxic liquid on the last day of a 10-day
training exercise. Although few soldiers have been discharged from the hospital late Friday, two critical patients need intensive care.

Also read: US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in question after Taliban fails to uphold peace deal

“The soldiers fell ill after consuming a substance
acquired outside of authorized food supply distribution channels,” she mentioned
in a statement.

The toxic liquid has been detected and the lab
results identified it as ethylene glycol that is commonly called as antifreeze,
added Payne. She also told that the law enforcement is probing into the
incident.

Also read: ‘Gender identity’ no longer a barrier for serving in the US Army: Joe Biden

Among the eleven soldiers who belonged to the 11th
Air Defence Artillery Brigade, ten are enlisted personnel and one is a warrant
officer, informed officials, reported The Washington
Post.

Another Army officer, Col. Shawna Scully, deputy
commander for medical services at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center at
Fort Bliss, told during the news conference that consuming antifreeze can
damage kidneys, which could further result in organ failure.