Germany’s “mass casualty incident”: 12 schoolchildren are hospitalised

Eight ambulances and five emergency doctors came to the primary school and emergency workers examined a total of 49 children, indicating a mass casualty incident.

A “mass casualty incident” at a primary school has led to the hospitalisation of twelve children.

Eight ambulances and five emergency doctors arrived at the scene at the primary school in the German town of Herth in the Rhine-Erft-Kreis district.

Emergency personnel examined a total of 49 children, 19 of whom suffered injuries in the tear gas-related incident, and twelve were hospitalised for further treatment.

The fire department declared a mass casualty incident after unidentified persons sprayed pepper spray at an elementary school, German media reported.

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The building had to be evacuated as firefighters ejected children and staff to safety. The fire department reported that they raised the alarm around 10:20 am. Eight ambulances arrived at the school and five emergency physicians were on the scene.

Of the 49 children examined who complained of dizziness, eye irritation or coughing, 19 were ultimately classified as injured. Seven were treated at the scene and released into the care of their parents; the rest had to be taken to the hospital.

The police have cordoned off the area and taken over the investigation of the case.