Eight hospitalised following “mass pepper-spraying” at German nightclub

Eight people were hospitalised and dozens injured in a “mass pepper-spraying” at a nightclub in Bremervörde, north-west Germany, over the weekend.

According to German newspaper Tageblatt, a clubgoer used pepper spray on the dancefloor at Discothek Haase during an event on Saturday, January 31, leading to its evacuation.

Police were alerted to the scene at around 1:14AM, where they found evacuated clubbers outside the 500-capacity venue, which features both indoor and open-air dancefloors.

Police spokesperson Marvin Teschke said that “numerous people were outside” when police arrived, with those gathered complaining of “breathing difficulties as well as irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.”

38 people were left injured by the incident, police reported, eight of whom were taken to “nearby hospitals by ambulance for further treatment”. Over 10 ambulances were deployed to the scene.

Bremervörde Police told Tageblatt that the club attempted to continue the party after ventilating the space, though the “irritant” gas still caused issues. The event was eventually called off following advice from the emergency services.

An investigation is ongoing into the incident. Police suspect that a male attendee used the chemical, though the motive behind its use is currently unclear.

It’s also unknown if the pepper spray was “commercially” purchased, police said, adding that the gas is especially dangerous in enclosed spaces, even if in “small doses”.

Tageblatt reports that those who were injured are being monitored, and that injuries are expected to be minor. Police are calling for anyone with information to come forward.

Mixmag has reached out to Discothek Haase for comment.

[Via: Tageblatt]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X