After the occurrence of symptoms of poisoning in seven people at the Technical University (TU) Darmstadt, investigations into the initial suspicion of attempted murder against unknown persons have been initiated. A 40-member homicide squad was set up, as the police and public prosecutor announced in the southern Hessian city on Tuesday. According to current knowledge, there is no longer any acute risk one day after the incidents.
In food that was confiscated at the scene of the crime, substances were detected, the intake of which could have led to the symptoms, the investigators further explained. The police advised only consuming food that was kept under supervision at all times.
Noticeable pungent odor
On Monday, the police in Darmstadt went on a large-scale operation that lasted for hours because of the incident. Seven people had “serious health problems including symptoms of poisoning” after they had had a drink in building L2.01 of the materials and geosciences department of the university on the Lichtwiese campus.
According to initial investigations, between Friday and Monday, among other things, several milk cartons and water containers were mixed with a harmful substance. A pungent odor is said to have been particularly noticeable in the affected liquids.
“Shaken by the obvious crime”
The officials said on Monday that if you feel unwell and have “bluish discoloration of the extremities”, an emergency doctor should be called immediately. However, no other victims had reported by Tuesday. Other buildings were searched during the night. However, no further relevant discoveries were made.
The TU had already spoken of a suspected poison attack on Monday. “We are shocked by the obvious crime that has occurred at our university,” said TU President Tanja Brühl. As a precaution, she recommended not to consume or prepare any food or drinks stored in kitchenettes or other rooms at the university in the coming days.
Hessen’s Minister of Science Angela Dorn (Greens) assured the university of her “full support”. The incident must be resolved as soon as possible. (AFP)