Controlled explosion at school’s science lab

AN army bomb disposal yesterday carried out a controlled explosion at a Co Limerick secondary school after a chemical stored in the science room was found to be in a dangerous condition.

Coláiste Iosaef, in Kilmallock, was evacuated and students were sent home.

The chemical, dinitrophenylhydrazine, is commonly used in laboratories at schools and universities. While normally safe when it crystallises and destabilises, it becomes sensitive to heat or friction.

Principal Sean Twomey said that, following expert advice, they were told the routine procedure was to contact the army bomb disposal services.

“To this end, we contacted the emergency services and all students were sent home for the remainder of the day,” Mr Twomey said. “The army services disposed of the substance in a safe and controlled manner. I’d like to thank both Co Limerick VEC and Veoilia for their support and advice and to pay tribute to the gardaí, fire and army services for their assistance.

“I also want to commend our staff and students on the calm and composed manner everything was dealt with during the morning.”