Police were called to the Sunbury Motor Inn in northwest Melbourne after guests noticed the toxic odour.
One woman died and 10 people were hospitalised, including two police officers, when a dangerous gas – thought to be hydrogen sulphide – was released.
Police evacuated the motel and nearby homes for several hours.
It is understood that the chemical was allegedly released by a woman staying in one of the rooms.
Victorian Police Association secretary Greg Davies expressed concern police were being confronted with mounting dangers while on the job. “It’s terrible when people [allegedly] decide to take their own lives but their actions also have an effect on the lives of others,” senior sergeant Davies said.
