Dance event in Rotterdam temporarily evacuated after irritating substance reported

A performance by Australian DJ Haai at the Audio Obscura at the Van Nellefabriek in Rotterdam was temporarily halted Saturday night after an irritating substance reportedly started affecting attendees.

Visitors experienced eye and respiratory irritation, prompting a precautionary evacuation of the venue. The event resumed after the fire department ventilated the building.

Police confirmed a report of a substance resembling tear gas but said fire department measurements could not verify the claim, according to a spokesperson for the regional safety authority.

Approximately 30 minutes after the evacuation, attendees were allowed back inside. The event organizers posted on Instagram that the suspected source of the substance had been removed. No arrests were made.