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Kirchheim Chemical Leak Contained as Officials Probe Cause, Alert Gaps

Officials issued an all-clear late in the evening after halting the reaction during a two-and-a-half-hour operation.

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Overview

  • Emergency crews responded to nitrous gases venting from a hall through a roughly 20‑metre chimney, creating a yellow plume over Heimstetten, Feldkirchen and Kirchheim.
  • Residents were told via warning apps and local radio to stay indoors with windows closed, though some reported not receiving app alerts.
  • Firefighters stopped the chemical reaction after about 2.5 hours and secured the site at 21:42, with measurements showing no hazardous concentrations and no evacuation required.
  • Four police officers were taken to a hospital for precautionary checks after reporting headaches, while other responders reported no health issues.
  • A second yellow cloud formed during firefighting, investigators are examining the still‑unclear cause, and authorities emphasized proper setup of warning apps after the rollout drew complaints.