Investigation begins as embryos destroyed at Italian clinic

An investigation is underway in Italy today after 94 embryos were destroyed when the liquid nitrogen in which they were being kept frozen, rose to 20°C.

The director of the hospital in Rome said the incident, which affects around 40 would-be parents, was unimaginable.

Prosecutors have also opened an inquiry.

However, officials said they had not yet considered whether the embryos should be considered living beings which could lead to a possible manslaughter investigation.

Air Liquide, which supplied the liquid nitrogen said it will pay compensation to the would-be parents, if it's found to be at fault.

It is understood that nobody heard the alarm alerting staff to the rising temperature in the reproduction laboratory.