Large deployment in Essen - At least 17 hikers were injured by the gift plant
A poisonous plant provided a major medical intervention during the so-called Mammutmarch with starting point in Essen. The fire department was first informed about the incident in the early afternoon. Reports of illness and skin burns among participants of the 100-kilometer distance march had accumulated, according to a fire department spokesperson. Numerous ambulances were in use. The fire department reported 17 injured, five of whom were hospitalized. Previously, "Bild" had reported on the incident.
The cause was the contact of hikers with the plant named Giant Hogweed, the spokesperson said. The plant exuded a fluid that reacted with sunlight - and caused skin injuries and burns upon contact, for example on arms or legs. "Other hikers reported feeling unwell."
The Grugapark in Essen is the starting and finishing point of the "Mammutmarch", a 100-kilometer distance march that leads from the Grugapark into the Bergische Land and back. The hike was set to begin on the Saturday afternoon, with returners expected on the Sunday in the early morning hours.
The fire department launched a large deployment to handling the incidents caused by the Giant Hogweed, which led to skin burns and illnesses among hikers participating in the Mammutmarch in Germany. Due to the numerous accidents and severe injuries, several individuals were transported to hospitals, requiring further medical attention.
