Frances Street in Annapolis, Md., is blocked off as officials investigate a suspicious package in the Jeffery Building, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011. Two packages sent to state government buildings 20 miles apart released smoke and odors when they were opened Thursday, but no one was seriously injured, officials said. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)HANOVER, Md. (AP) – Smoke and the smell of sulfur poured from two packages opened Thursday at state government buildings 20 miles apart, slightly burning the fingers of two employees but not seriously injuring anyone, authorities said.
State officials first said the packages exploded, but later said there were no blasts.
“When both packages were opened there was a reaction that caused a flash of fire, a brief flash of fire, smoke and a smell,” state police spokesman Greg Shipley said. “This is not to be compared with a significant explosion that you think of when you say that word.”
Mailrooms at state offices across Maryland were being quarantined until it could be determined if any other packages had been sent.
One of the packages was addressed to Gov. Martin O’Malley and the other to the state transportation department. The State Fire Marshal’s office did not find any explosive material in either.