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GERMAN EMERGENCY SERVICES services evacuated Hamburg airport this afternoon after people reported an unusual smell, respiratory problems and watering eyes.
Firefighters rushed to the airport with multiple vehicles while incoming flights were diverted and hundreds of passengers had to wait outside the terminals in freezing temperatures.
All flights were halted for several hours due to the evacuation, but air traffic started running again around 1pm, airport spokeswoman Karen Stein said.
More than 50 people, both passengers and staff, had complained about breathing problems, burning eyes and nausea. Firefighters were examining them to find out whether they had to be taken to the hospital, the German news agency dpa reported.
Those who left from the airport but not injured had to wait outside the terminals in freezing temperatures.
Firefighters designated special areas outside the airport building where physicians were examining those injured by the unknown substance.
The cause for the incident was not known, Stein said, “but we’re working closely together with the authorities to find out more.”
“The airport was completely closed” at around 11.30am , said Maik Lewerenz of the federal police office at the airport, before it was reopened at 12.45pm .
“There was an odour problem in the central air traffic control area, where passengers and hand luggage are checked. Some people complained of stinging eyes and coughing,” he said, adding that “the cause is unknown so far”.
With reporting by AFP
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Wear a mask.
@Brendan Wallace: And wash your hands regularly. This message seems to have been lost at some stage….
@Paolo: the message was ignored by trump and his cult. They knew better. It was trumps idea of being anything near that manly man pose of putin barechested on a horse. Ewwwwww….trump barechested on a horse….sorry I said that now.
@Paolo: you’re right there.
Lads on sit walking straight out of the cubicle not washing hands, it’s disgusting.
Happening everywhere.
Imagine giving up a career in Congress to become the top toadie to the biggest failure in the history of the Executive branch during a historically miserable era, just so you can stand next to him as he loses re-election and then, when you’re rolling on the floor, you get the covid kick to the nuts. SO. MUCH. WINNING.
Genius move by this guy, his timing couldn’t be better. He gets a 2 week holiday in the middle of the Trump administrations epic meltdown.
@EdmundOrlando: That’s what I thinking!
Maybe trump might actually get it this time.
That’s what you call a bad few days
Get well soon
@Maurice O Neill: Absolutely wish him well. Ironic that a lot of this administration got this virus in its dying weeks. Some would say Karma
@Fr. Fintan Stack: a farewell gift maybe
@Fr. Fintan Stack: others would say lying.
Can’t be proven though so if you ever say that to me again… I’ll put your head through the wall! haha :)
schadenfreude shäd′n-froi″də
n. Pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.
n. Malicious enjoyment derived from observing someone else’s misfortune.
n. delight in another person’s misfortune
On the 3rd day of 100,000+ Covid-19 infections in USA
This.
Maybe the Trump will get it again.
@2thFairy: You wouldn’t wish that on the poor virus would you?
have your say