Carbon monoxide leak injures residents in Magdeburg apartment building

A carbon monoxide leak injured residents at an apartment building in Magdeburg’s Neue Neustadt district on Thursday.

Two accounts said 11 people were injured, while another reported five, so the total is unclear.

Several people were taken to hospital, and some were described as seriously hurt.

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can build up indoors; a neighbor feeling unwell prompted a call for help, and responders detected a high concentration.

A fault in the heating system is one possible cause, but investigators have not established what happened.

Fire crews ventilated the building, and residents were able to return to their homes afterward.

Police are investigating the cause of the leak.