Jena (dpa/th) - The brownish liquid that triggered a large-scale operation by the fire brigade at a community school in Jena last week is a harmless, spilled drink. This was announced by the city of Jena on Tuesday, citing police investigations. An analysis of the classroom could therefore not clarify why 28 teachers and students suffered from respiratory irritation and headaches.

The health department of the city of Jena is continuing to investigate. The origin of an unpleasant odor that the teachers and students noticed is also to be clarified. The classroom will remain closed until there are new findings, it said.

Last Tuesday, those affected complained about the symptoms, which were all mild. Some of them were reportedly taken to a clinic at their own request. The building was gradually evacuated.