Radioactive minerals found in German apartment; authorities to brief public

Authorities in St. Ingbert, Saarland, are set to provide more information on a significant operation involving radioactive minerals discovered in the apartment of a 24-year-old man. The extensive response included police, fire services, and specialists in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. The operation was prompted by police receiving information that the man possessed and improperly handled radioactive minerals within his apartment in a multi-family building.

While the exact nature of the minerals and whether they have been removed remains unclear, police confirmed that radiation levels were detected in the apartment. The residence has been sealed off and declared uninhabitable. Authorities stressed that there was no risk to neighbors, and other residents were not required to evacuate.

Investigators are also looking into a second property, identified as belonging to a third party, where these minerals might also have been stored. The police have not yet disclosed the location of this secondary site. Officials noted that mechanical processing of the rock material could release heavy metals and radioactive particles, posing a health risk through direct, unprotected contact with dust. Further details are expected at a press conference.