Acid Spill at Bavarian Brewery Wounds Eight, Triggers 300-Person Emergency Operation

A forklift accident at a Vilshofen brewery released nearly 1,000 liters of nitric acid, causing a toxic cloud. Eight people suffered mild symptoms, and 300 emergency responders sealed the city center for hours.

A forklift driver at a Vilshofen brewery accidentally struck a container holding nearly 1,000 liters of nitric acid Tuesday afternoon, releasing the corrosive liquid and sending toxic fumes into the air. Authorities activated a broad emergency response, warning residents to seal their windows and doors as the city center was shut down for hours.

Eight people suffered mild respiratory irritation — two brewery workers, four firefighters, and two female pedestrians. All received on-site or outpatient treatment; none required hospitalization.

Coordinated Response and Street Closure

Emergency crews sealed off the area within a 100-meter radius. Using the modular warning system (MoWaS) and loudspeaker announcements, officials urged nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed. Vilshofen's city center remained closed to vehicles and pedestrians until late evening.

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Some 300 emergency personnel converged on the scene: 220 firefighters, 70 rescue workers, and 20 police officers. Special firefighting units neutralized the spilled acid with binding agents and diluted it with large quantities of water.

The diluted mixture was fed in a controlled manner into the sewer system, where the local wastewater treatment plant was expected to neutralize it. Authorities warned residents of potential odor from the sewer network, but said no danger to the public existed. The first roadblocks were lifted around 9 p.m., with the city square reopening for traffic an hour later.

Cause Under Investigation

Police are investigating how the accident occurred, focusing on the forklift's handling and how the IBC containers were secured on the brewery grounds. No information was yet available on the extent of damages or possible operational impacts on the brewery.

By evening, all warnings were rescinded after air measurements showed no hazardous gas concentrations remained.