Federal building evacuated in Alameda after employee becomes ill from suspicious package

ALAMEDA, Calif. (KTVU) - Nearly two dozen people inside a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Alameda were quarantined Wednesday afternoon after an employee opened a suspicious envelope. 

The incident began around 12:45 pm at the office on Mariner Square Loop, on the west end of the island near Alameda point. 

Officials initially told KTVU, an employee was examining an envelope and reported feeling ill. Two others also claimed they had a bad reaction, and were treated at the scene. One person was taken to the hospital. Apparently there were no serious injuries. 

Emergency crews quarantined approximately 20 employees who were in the vicinity when the envelope was opened. That quarantine was lifted around 3:30 pm. The Hazmat team did not find any substance and the incident has been cleared. 

In a statement released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, officials said it was unknown if the employee's illness was a result of opening the envelope. 

Chopper video from KTVU showed hazmat teams, as well as firefighters and ambulances on scene. Dozens of other people were seen standing outside the building inside an area roped off with police tape. 

A portion of Mariner Square Parkway was closed as officials investigated.