Woman Killed By Toxic Fumes At McDonald's

A woman has died and nine other people have received hospital treatment after breathing in toxic fumes at a McDonald's restaurant in the US.

Authorities said the 80-year-old was overcome by fumes from an unidentified source at a branch of the chain in Pooler, south Georgia.

Nine others - three firefighters, five customers and one McDonald's worker - needed medical treatment after falling ill.

The elderly woman was one of two females found unconscious in the bathroom on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. She died early on Thursday.

Fire chief Wade Simmons said an investigation to find the source of the fumes was under way.

Local reports named the dead woman as Anne Felton, from Florida, and said a toxic mix of chemicals may have been the cause.

Hazmat (hazardous materials) teams were sent to the restaurant and sprayed down those feeling ill at the scene before they were taken to hospital, the Savannah Morning News reported.

The restaurant has now reopened.

The franchisees who run it, John and Monique Palamccio, said in a statement: "We continue to work with the local authorities to collect more information about what may have happened.

"The safety of our customers and employees has and will continue to be our number one concern.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families who have been impacted."

More to follow...