A very dangerous greeting from the past caused a stir at the police station in Gmunden in the Salzkammergut: an employee of a waste disposal company in Pinsdorf had discovered a container containing a gas cartridge. Fortunately, what made him suspicious: The cartridge was labeled “Phosgeen” – poison gas!
This highly toxic substance was used in World War I as a gas warfare agent under the name “Grünkreuz” and claimed the lives of most of the approximately 90,000 gas victims of World War I. The designation “Green Cross” comes from the fact that the grenades filled with it were marked with this symbol.
Eviction and Lockdown
The Gmunden police were first surprised, then excited. The approval of the inspection and the blocking of Alois-Kaltenbrunner-Strasse were ordered.
The army was asked for help
“At 9:20 a.m. we were asked for help by the state police of Upper Austria,” reports army spokesman Pierre Kugelweis: “Phosgene is really a very dangerous warfare agent. It is still used as an intermediate in the manufacture of medicines. From our base in Korneuburg we deployed a commander and five NBC specialists. Fortunately, the cartridge was properly sealed. We took them with us, will see what’s really inside on Monday.”
It is also important for the army spokesperson that the cautious approach has not posed any danger to the population.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
