Austrian prosecutors probe criminal negligence in Linz Legionnaires' outbreak

Austrian prosecutors have opened an investigation for criminal negligence homicide against unknown perpetrators after a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Linz, with a cooling system operated by Linz AG under scrutiny as a potential source. The investigation is preliminary, and no charges have been filed. This marks a shift from public-health response to potential criminal liability, which could have implications for industrial operators and municipal utilities.