Unstable acid had to be detonated
INADEQUATE storage of an unstable acid historically used as a military explosive resulted in the shutdown of Gold Coast streets and a police emergency declaration.
It can now be revealed picric acid was the hazardous chemical disposed of in two controlled detonations by the Queensland Police bomb squad (Explosive Ordnance Response Team) at a home on Pacific Pde at Bilinga on Thursday afternoon.
The acid, which triggered the declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA), was supposed to be stored in water for safekeeping.
The person in possession
of the acid – believed to be a university researcher – phoned for help when they discovered evaporation had left the acid uncovered, according to a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) spokeswoman.
Police were forced to set up an exclusion zone between
Graham and Johnston streets, including Cahill St about 3.25pm.
The PSPA was revoked just over two hours later and police confirmed the bomb squad had detonated the unstable acid about 4.10pm
The detonations were “the only way” to dispose of the material, a police spokesman said.
Police added on Friday there was no suggestion of any negligence and the person was lawfully in possession of the acid. It’s unlikely any charges will be laid.
Picric acid is also used as a medicine and as a dye, among other applications. When dried, it can form unstable crystals which can cause a powerful explosion.