Toxic fumes

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Around 55 people, mainly pupils, are believed to have come into contact with toxic fumes after a chemistry experiment at a new secondary school. Three of them were taken to hospital.

According to the Red Cross, three people were transported to hospital on Tuesday following a chemistry experiment at the new secondary school in Payerbach (district of Neunkirchen). According to the police, alcohol may have been mixed with carboxylic acids.

The incident occurred at lunchtime. The injured persons are two girls and a boy. All other children present underwent a health check and were then handed over to their parents.

Nausea, dizziness and dry cough
As the "NÖN" ("Niederösterreichische Nachrichten") reported online, a routine experiment was probably carried out at the school. The concentration of vapors is said to have reached or exceeded a critical level as a result, said Zenker from the Red Cross. The new secondary school and the neighboring elementary school were evacuated as a precaution, emphasized Mayor Jochen Bous in an interview with ORF Niederösterreich.

Around 55 people had come into contact with the fumes in the classroom. They had complained of nausea, dizziness and respiratory irritation. The Red Cross was deployed with nine vehicles. Three emergency doctors were also on the scene.

A police report is now being sent to the Wiener Neustadt public prosecutor's office. It will be investigated whether there is a criminal offense, such as negligent endangerment of the public.