School in Elversberg evacuated: use of irritant gas injures students and teachers

School in Elversberg evacuated: use of irritant gas injures students and teachers

There was a serious incident at the Albert Schweitzer Community School in Spiesen-Elversberg today, November 5, 2025, when irritant gas was sprayed. Numerous students and teachers were injured and had to receive emergency medical care. The emergency services received the alarm message late on Wednesday morning around 11:30 a.m. A spokesman for the police in Neunkirchen confirmed the information about the incidents and the measures taken as a result.

The fire department arrived at the school shortly after the emergency call and immediately initiated the evacuation of the building. By midday, all classrooms were evacuated, so there was no one left in the school building at that time. Victims were treated outdoors after inhaling the irritant substance.

Investigations and measures

The preliminary investigation indicates that pepper spray may have been used. It is believed that this is a self-defense product. Fire department specialists carried out air quality measurements at the crime scene for further investigation. The person responsible for the incident is currently unknown and the police have begun their investigation. Initially, around 20 people were reported to be affected; More precise figures were not yet available at this time. The school building remained evacuated until further notice.

Similar incidents involving irritant gas have increased alarmingly at other schools in Germany in recent weeks. Several events were reported within a few days in Baden-Württemberg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In Lichtenstein, Saxony, 42 people, including 38 children, were injured by the irritant gas that spread through the cafeteria. The police in Zwickau reported coughing and respiratory irritation. Here too, the situation led to the deployment of 54 rescue workers and 10 police officers.

In another case in Bietigheim-Bissingen, an “unknown, strong-smelling liquid” was reported. The fire department was called in to take measurements and ventilate the building. The affected students included a total of around 400 students and 30 teachers. A caretaker also received medical treatment for respiratory irritation. Despite the serious incidents, most of the affected students were released from the hospital uninjured.

The repeated use of irritant gas in schools is causing concern among parents and teachers, and the police are reminding of the importance of safety and prevention measures in educational institutions. It remains to be seen what steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Further information about the incident in Spiesen-Elversberg can be found on the website Saarbrücken newspaper read up. There are also details of similar incidents in other regions n-tv.