Sunday afternoon's evacuation of the airport in the northern German city of Hamburg was caused by pepper spray in the airport's ventillation system, according to a preliminary police probe.
A police spokesman said there was no evidence that the incident was a terrorist attack. A cartridge containing pepper spray was found in a bin provided for travelers to dispose of liquids before boarding. The Deutsche Presse Agentur said it may have been put there as a prank. Dozens were treated for breathing problems and eye irritation.