Los Angeles  - Two people died and over 20 were injured after taking ill in a sweat lodge at a "new age" retreat in Sedona, Arizona, according to local law enforcement officers Friday.

Dwight D'eveleyn, a spokesman for the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, said that some of the casualties had been inside the sweat dome for over two hours. He told reporters that investigators were looking at pre-existing medical conditions and possible toxicity of the materials in the structure.

He described the lodge as a crude dome that had been covered with tarps and blankets. Pre-heated rocks were brought inside the structure and were doused with water to create a sauna-like atmosphere for the 64 people who had participated in the activity

D'Evelyn said some of the participants had paid over 9,000 dollars to take part in the program. Sweat lodges are an ancient Native American custom, and the area around Sedona is known for its new age retreats, resorts and spas.  dpa