A 79-year-old pensioner in Germany accidentally poisoned 24 people with phosphine, according to the German newspaper Bild.
“The incident occurred in the Harbkerstrasse area of Stadtfeld-West. As a result, hazardous substances were released that could lead to health problems“, the newspaper reported.
A fire broke out in the basement of a private home, releasing the hazardous substance into the atmosphere. Experts have determined that the substance was phosphine - a colorless, highly toxic gas used to control pests.
Twenty-four people were injured in the incident, including firefighters, police officers and residents of the home. Some required emergency medical attention. Experts later discovered significant quantities of pesticides stored in the basement of the 79-year-old owner, a former disinfectant worker.