Hersheypark guests exposed to tear gas from PSP drill Wednesday night

Hersheypark guests were exposed to tear gas from a nearby Pennsylvania State Police drill Wednesday night. 

In an official statement from park officials, guests complained of coughing and sore throats in the Midway America section of the park. 

Rides in the area were closed out of caution until the source of the gas was identified, officials said. 

The source of the irritant was later identified as tear gas coming from a live outdoor PSP drill at their training academy, about 1.5 miles away.

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Once contacted, PSP stopped use of the tear gas during the live drill. PSP has conducted these outdoor drills utilizing tear gas in the past, without issue.

It is not clear why on this particular occasion some individuals on the complex in the Midway America area were impacted, according to the release. 

Guests were assured that there are no long-term adverse effects from exposure of this type.