Chlorine gas sickens 19 at Chicago FurFest convention

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Chlorine gas sickened several people and forced the evacuation of thousands of guests from a suburban Chicago hotel early Sunday, including many dressed in cartoonish animal costumes for an annual furries convention who were ushered across the street to a convention center hosting a dog show.

Nineteen people who became nauseous or dizzy were treated at local hospitals, and at least 18 were released shortly thereafter. Within hours, emergency workers decontaminated the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and allowed people back inside. “I think we’ll recover from this,” said Kit McCreedy, a 28-year-old from Madison, Wisconsin, as he headed back inside for the last day of the Midwest FurFest. The source of the gas was apparently chlorine powder left in a ninth-floor stairwell at the hotel, according to the Rosemont Public Safety Department. Investigators believe the gas was created intentionally and are treating it as a criminal matter.

McCreedy was one of a few thousand attendees for the FurFest, in which attendees celebrate animals that are anthropomorphic – meaning they’ve been given human characteristics – through art, literature and performance. Many of the attendees, who refer to themselves as “furries,” wore cartoonish animal outfits.

While authorities conducted their investigation, organizers tried to assure the participants that the evacuation would not overshadow the convention. Others said they did not have a clue as to why anyone would intentionally disrupt the convention, with some quick to point out that the brightly colored outfits are made from fake fur and foam and not real fur.