(Newser)
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The mysterious madness that overtook a French village in 1951 was the result of a CIA experiment, according to an American investigative journalist. At least 5 people died and dozens more were institutionalized after mass insanity and hallucinations swept through Pont-Saint-Esprit. The incident was called Le Pain Maudit—Cursed Bread—after authorities came to believe the problems were caused by a psychedelic mold that had contaminated the flour.
Writer HP Albarelli Jr., however, says he uncovered evidence that the CIA was behind the madness while investigating the death of a biochemist who committed suicide after the tragedy. Documents from the Swiss lab that secretly supplied the US military with LSD refer to the "secret of Pont-Saint-Esprit," Albarelli reveals. French intelligence chiefs have reportedly demanded an explanation from the CIA following the recent publication of Albarelli's findings.
