Support for those affected confirmed

Statements of Angela Dorn, Hessian Science Minister, and TU President Tanja Brühl regarding suspected poisoning

2021/08/23

Seven employees and staff members of TU Darmstadt had to be treated medically on Monday (23 Aug.) due to severe symptoms of poisoning. According to initial police investigations, they are believed to have fallen victim to a poisoning attempt. Angela Dorn, the Hessian Science Minister, and Prof. Dr. Tanja Brühl, the TU President, have promised all necessary assistance and support to those affected.

Picture: Patrick Bal

Angela Dorn, Minister of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and the Arts, states that the news of this incident has affected her deeply. Her thoughts and love are with those affected and their loved ones. She wishes them all the best, a speedy recovery and assures them of her full support. She also emphasises that all need to work together with the university and the investigating authorities to clarify this incident as quickly as possible. To this end, all parties involved are in close contact both with TU President Prof. Dr. Tanja Brühl and the Hessian Interior Ministry.

My thoughts and love are with those affected and currently receiving full medical care.

Prof. Dr. Tanja Brühl, President of TU Darmstadt, states that the university as a whole is shocked in light of this apparent criminal act having taken place at the university. Her thoughts and love are with those affected and currently receiving full medical care. She promises to get in touch with them personally as soon as possible and as their current condition allows.

In building L2|01 (Department of Materials and Earth Sciences) on Campus Lichtwiese, beverages and water containers had been contaminated with chemical substances at various locations; seven TU members had to be taken to hospital due to symptoms of poisoning or needed emergency medical treatment due to severe health issues. The police are investigating in full force.

Prof. Dr. Tanja Brühl, TU President, and Dr. Manfred Efinger, Vice President, Administration and Financial Affairs, appeal to all TU members to not consume or prepare any beverages and/or food stored at tea kitchens or other locations of the university for the time being, just to be on the safe side.