Berlin – A large emergency response unfolded at the Reichstag building in Berlin Thursday morning after a gas detector activated an alarm around 5:00 AM. Firefighters cleared the scene after approximately two and a half hours, with the all-clear given shortly before 8:00 AM. According to a fire department spokesperson, “Since no detection could be made, the colleagues have left about a quarter of an hour ago.”
Eighty firefighters and numerous fire vehicles, including specialized decontamination units, responded to the seat of the German parliament. They began to depart around 7:30 AM. The spokesperson stated the alarm was triggered at 5:15 AM due to the detection of gas in small quantities.
Fire Department Investigates Potential Cause
The fire department established a decontamination area outside the Reichstag building. Firefighters in protective suits searched the building for hazardous materials, but were unable to locate a source of the gas.
When asked about the cause of the gas alarm, the spokesperson suggested to BILD, “It may be highly concentrated cleaning agent.”
The emergency response also led to traffic restrictions and diversions of bus lines traveling along the Reichstag building this morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the emergency response at the Reichstag?
A gas detector activated an alarm at approximately 5:00 AM on Thursday morning.
What was the outcome of the emergency response?
Firefighters found no source of gas and cleared the scene shortly before 8:00 AM.
What is a possible explanation for the gas alarm?
Authorities suggested the alarm may have been triggered by highly concentrated cleaning agent.
As investigations continue, will the procedures for building maintenance and alarm systems at the Reichstag be reviewed?
