Cologne: Chemical alarm in restaurant leads to injuries

Mysterious incident in Gremberghoven: A restaurant visit ends with four people being hospitalized. The control center issued a chemical alert.

A major emergency medical service and fire department operation took place on Saturday evening at a fast-food restaurant in Cologne-Gremberghoven. Ten people suddenly complained of respiratory and eye irritation, and four of them ultimately had to be taken to hospitals.

Following an emergency call from a restaurant visitor, the control center alerted a total of 26 vehicles and 63 emergency personnel. The alarm code "Chemical" was issued – a signal used in response to potential threats from dangerous chemicals or substances.

Emergency personnel treated ten people on site who complained of the sudden onset of symptoms. Four of them were transported to nearby hospitals for further medical treatment.

According to initial findings, investigators suspect that someone used pepper spray in the fast-food restaurant. However, the exact circumstances of the incident and possible motives are still unclear. Police have begun an investigation.