Mass Casualty Incident Declared After Pepper Spray Attack Injures 19 Children at German Primary School
Emergency services in western Germany declared a mass casualty incident on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, after a disturbing pepper spray attack targeted dozens of primary school children in the town of Hürth. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. local time, left at least 19 young students injured, with twelve requiring immediate hospital treatment and seven others receiving on-site medical care from paramedics.
Attack Details and Immediate Response
According to reports from the German daily Westdeutsche Zeitung, unknown assailants released pepper spray at a primary school in Hürth, located in North Rhine-Westphalia outside Cologne. The attack prompted a swift and large-scale emergency response, with ambulance crews checking a total of 49 children at the school, which authorities have not publicly named for security and privacy reasons.
Following the incident, the school building was immediately evacuated as a precautionary measure. Children reported symptoms including dizziness, irritated eyes, and persistent coughing, common reactions to pepper spray exposure. The local fire department officially declared a mass casualty incident, mobilizing additional resources to manage the situation effectively.
Medical Treatment and Ongoing Investigation
Of the 19 injured children, twelve were transported to nearby hospitals for further evaluation and treatment, highlighting the severity of the exposure. Seven other youngsters were treated directly at the scene by emergency medical personnel, who provided initial care to alleviate symptoms. The incident has raised serious concerns about school safety and the vulnerability of educational institutions to such attacks.
Authorities are actively investigating the motive behind the attack and searching for the perpetrators. The use of pepper spray in a school setting is particularly alarming, given its potential to cause significant distress and health issues, especially among young children with developing respiratory systems.
Community Impact and Safety Measures
The pepper spray attack has sent shockwaves through the Hürth community, with parents and local residents expressing outrage and fear over the safety of children in educational environments. School officials and local law enforcement are reviewing security protocols and considering enhanced measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This event underscores the importance of robust emergency preparedness in schools and the need for vigilance against threats to public safety. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the affected children and their families while ensuring that such a traumatic event does not recur.
