State police confirmed tear gas from their training drills infiltrated part of Hersheypark on Wednesday evening, causing the park to close three rides.

Hersheypark spokesperson Quinn C. Bryner said Thursday that the park received complaints of coughing and sore throat localized to their Midway America area.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we closed the rides where complaints were reported,” Bryner said. The rides closed were Music Express, Whip and Laff Trakk. The rides were closed until the source of the irritant could be identified.

Once the park identified the source as tear gas, they also determined that members of the Pennsylvania State Police were using tear gas in an outdoor live drill at their training academy, which is one and a half miles from the park. State police officials were contacted.

State police Trooper Ryan Tarkowski said they regularly train with tear gas at their Academy, and assess wind direction and other environmental conditions to prevent any impact on neighboring properties.

“Unfortunately, the wind shifted during last night’s exercise and some guests at Hersheypark reported discomfort,” Tarkowski said. The incident is under review by state police officials.

Bryner said state police stopped using the tear gas as soon as they were notified of the issue. Bryner also said state police have conducted outdoor drills using tear gas in the past without issue.

“We have discussed enhanced comunication with PA State Police for all future outdoor lie drills of this type,” Bryner said. “PA State Police has also assured us that there are no long-term adverse effects from exposure of this type.”

Said Tarkowski, “The Department apologizes to Hersheypark Management and their guests for any inconvenience."

Sean Sauro contributed to this report.