Accident in research laboratory Gas alarm at University Clinic
Bonn · A gas alarm went out from the University Clinic on the Venusberg on Thursday afternoon and 100 firefighters were called to the scene. A glass container had exploded in a research laboratory.
Two persons were slightly injured in an accident involving hazardous substances at the Bonn University Clinic on the Venusberg. Seven others complained of respiratory irritation. The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon. Hospital spokeswoman Tanja Holthaus said there had not been any danger to patients or visitors at any time.
At around 3:45 p.m., an alarm went out to the fire department. It had been reported as “a hazardous substance discharge at the University Clinic,” said Lars Gödel from the fire department management. “This is for us not necessarily the most popular alarm,” he added. It resulted in the deployment of 100 firefighters to the Venusberg. According to Gödel, “Everything went very well. They quickly covered and explored the terrain.”
What exactly happened? Holthaus explained that a glass container had shattered in a research laboratory. Two people needed to be treated for cuts and a slight irritation of the mucous membranes caused by the spillage of the substance. The space was closed off immediately. Officials reported that the accident occurred during the mixing of substances. As is routine in such incidents, police will investigate for negligent bodily harm.
As to the content of the glass container, clinic spokeswoman Holthaus would only say this much: At issue was a gas that can irritate mucous membranes and for that reason, it could not be considered harmless.
Gödel said the situation was quickly cleaned up because the accident site was in an enclosed space. After the affected people had been attended to and the situation discussed with a consultant, the fire department was no longer needed. In such cases, the hospital is responsible for cleaning up the damage.
Orig. text: ga
