A 64-year-old American woman ended her life using a controversial Sarco capsule in Switzerland, sparking arrests and a heated ethical debate. Swiss authorities are now questioning the device’s legality and compliance with safety regulations.

The "Sarco" capsule is designed to allow a person sitting inside to push a button that injects nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber.

Criminal proceedings have been launched against “several people for incitement and aiding and abetting suicide,” police said.

The Swiss police said they had detained “several individuals” after a 64-year-old American woman reportedly died by suicide using the controversial device.

Swiss police have arrested several people after a controversial futuristic-looking capsule designed to allow its occupant to commit suicide was used for the first time, authorities said on Tuesday. Police in the northern canton of Schaffhausen bordering Germany said the so-called "Sarco" capsule had been deployed in a wood in the municipality of Merishausen on Monday.

Police in northern Switzerland say several people have been detained and a criminal case opened in connection with the suspected death of a person in a new “suicide capsule.”

Multiple people were detained and a criminal case has been opened in northern Switzerland after a person died by assisted suicide Monday, according to police.

Swiss authorities have arrested several people and opened a criminal investigation after a 64-year-old American woman reportedly used a so-called “suicide pod” to end her life, according to local reports.