Investigation Continues Into Poisoning of Four Staff at Akademiska Sjukhuset

Four employees at Akademiska Sjukhuset in Uppsala suddenly fell critically ill, prompting an ongoing police investigation into suspected poisoning treated as attempted murder. The affected staff members, all from the same department, exhibited severe symptoms requiring hospitalization and intensive care in some cases. Authorities have identified that the employees suffered from critically low potassium levels, known medically as hypokalemia, which is consistent with excessive caffeine intake.

Police suspect that extremely high levels of caffeine powder were deliberately introduced into the employees' water bottles, despite all four individuals denying consuming any caffeine powder. This theory suggests a calculated effort to poison the staff, as caffeine in such high amounts can significantly reduce potassium levels and cause severe physical distress. Dr. Kai Knudsen, a senior physician from Sahlgrenska, noted the possibility of intentional poisoning through diuretics or similar substances.

Experts have proposed four different theories regarding the cause of the poisonings, reflecting insights from chemical specialists, intensive care physicians, and law enforcement officials. However, the caffeine poisoning theory currently carries the most weight with investigators. No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation remains active as police work to identify the perpetrator and motive.

This troubling incident has raised concerns about workplace safety at the hospital and the potential for deliberate harm against staff members. Police are treating the case with urgency due to the severity and unusual nature of the suspected poisoning, as they probe how such a dangerous substance was administered without the victims’ knowledge.