Explosive substance identified in Heidelberg city center; specialists deployed

Heidelberg, Germany – A significant emergency response unfolded in the heart of Heidelberg's city center after a resident discovered several containers of a potentially explosive substance. The material was identified as picric acid, a compound known for its high explosive potential when dry.

Firefighters and police quickly secured the scene in a multi-family building where the containers were found in a storage room. Specialists from the State Criminal Police Office confirmed the substance's identity and its hazardous nature. While picric acid is generally stable in liquid form and under proper storage conditions, it can become dangerously explosive as it ages and dries out. Authorities believe the discovered material had been stored for a considerable period.

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In a multi-family house in Heidelberg's city center, several containers with so-called picric acid were discovered, which can be highly explosive.

As a precautionary measure, the affected residential building and two adjacent homes were evacuated. Parts of the busy pedestrian zone were also temporarily closed off to ensure public safety. The hazardous material is now being handled by specialists for safe disposal.

Picric acid has historically been used in industrial and military applications as an explosive. However, authorities noted that incidents involving the substance often occur in contexts related to pharmacies, suggesting a potential for older, improperly stored chemicals to pose a risk.

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In liquid form and under proper storage, it is harmless. If it becomes too old and dries out, it can become explosive.