What is the opinion of PPRuNe surfers of a personal cs spray discarded in a trash can causing 26 people to need treatment. Seems odd to me.
Without knowing any detailed facts (apparently not a barrier to the Metro reporter either) all it takes is somebody to take a squirt to see what it is, and because CS is a deliberate irritant, it will quickly affect anyone in the immediate area. Highly unpleasant stuff, especially when you don't know what it is affecting you and start rubbing affected areas which aggravates and amplifies the symptoms.