MEXICO CITY — Six people who were tested Friday for possible radiation exposure in a hospital in central Mexico are suspects in the theft of highly radioactive cobalt-60, a government official said.
The official said the six, ages 16 to 38, were arrested Thursday and taken to the general hospital in Pachuca for observation and testing for radiation exposure. They were released late Friday and were turned over to federal authorities in connection with the case of a cargo truck stolen Monday at gunpoint that was carrying the dangerous material.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Hidalgo state Health Minister Pedro Luis Noble said Friday that the six suffered from skin irritations and dizziness but that none is in grave condition and may be released soon. Only one was vomiting, a sign of radiation poisoning.
Based on the tests, “none are showing immediate signs of radiation poisoning,” Noble told Foro TV.
