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Update: Sheriff reveals ‘mystery substance’ that sent 7 North Ga. first responders to the hospital

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. — Seven first responders who were hospitalized after being exposed to a mystery substance tested positive for fentanyl, according to the sheriff’s office.

Gilmer County Fire Rescue units were called to a crash at the intersection of Boardtown Road and Whitepath Road on Thursday. They found a pick-up truck that had run off the road and hit a tree.

The two people inside the truck were injured. Their conditions and identities have not bene released.

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The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office said the people inside the car were illegally in possession of and transporting the highly lethal drug, which was stored in a small container with no markings.

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Two Gilmer County sheriff’s deputies and five EMS crew members started showing symptoms and were taken to local hospitals. They are all expected to be back on duty within the week. They have not been identified.

The substance has been sent to the GBI crime lab for further testing.

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It’s unclear what charges the people found in the car are facing.