Hundreds of pigs die from toxic gas at Ospel farm in Limburg

Hundreds of pigs suffocated in a farm barn in Ospel on Saturday after exposure to toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, authorities said. The gas, which smells like rotten eggs, can be released from manure pits. Investigators suspect a ventilation failure may have contributed.

The barn housed roughly 2,400 pigs, and at least 400 were found dead, according to regional broadcaster L1. Farm employees discovered the animals but were unharmed.

Emergency services were called late in the morning. Firefighters cordoned off the area, and specialists in protective suits entered the barn to measure gas levels. They detected elevated concentrations of hydrogen sulfide.

To reduce the gas, firefighters filled the manure pits with water, diluting the toxic fumes and lowering the levels in the barn.