9 Taken to Hospital Because of Fumes at Georgia McDonald’s

Authorities say nine people were taken to a hospital after firefighters found two customers unconscious inside a bathroom and others struggling to breathe at a McDonald’s restaurant outside Savannah, Ga.

Pooler Fire Chief Wade Simmons said one of the customers found unconscious was listed in critical condition Wednesday afternoon. He couldn’t specify the others’ conditions but didn’t think they were as serious.

Simmons said firefighters smelled an unusual odor, and the restaurant was evacuated. He said people were complaining of difficulty breathing.

Simmons said at least 20 people, including three Pooler firefighters, were decontaminated by a hazardous materials team as a precaution.

The fire chief said officials suspect cleaning chemicals in the restroom are to blame, but a specific cause had not been determined.

A McDonald’s representative said the company was working to get more information and would issue a statement.