German schools evacuated following respiratory irritation incidents

Two separate incidents involving respiratory irritation at schools in Germany occurred on Monday.

In Dresden-Strehlen, more than 100 people reported symptoms including coughing, headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation at the 128. Oberschule. Emergency services issued a mass casualty alarm, leading to the evacuation of approximately 440 people. While 79 patients were treated on-site, 19 individuals were taken to hospitals for further examination, and three others with more severe symptoms required hospital care. Fire department measurement teams have been investigating the building, though initial tests have not identified a specific substance.

In Burg, Saxony-Anhalt, a secondary school was also evacuated after students complained of respiratory distress. Following an investigation and ventilation of the building, students admitted to spraying pepper spray, which was identified as the cause. Two students from the Burg incident were transported to a local hospital for treatment.