Explosion during chemistry show at Tønder Library injures multiple attendees
The atmosphere was lively at Tønder Library on Saturday afternoon as chemistry students from Aalborg University entertained the audience with a chemical show. However, things took a turn when one of the students attempted to mix colors, resulting in the explosion of a glass bottle. The loud bang was heard outside the library, alarming onlookers.
Thirteen-year-old Vasco Prudencio, who attended the event, described the scene: “It was very nice, and everyone was in good spirits. But in an instant, everything went wrong. People panicked, and everyone was terrified.” One 22-year-old student sustained serious injuries to his hands, while three children were also hit by glass fragments but suffered only minor injuries. Vasco added, “It was a big bang, and neighbors came outside to see what happened.”
The local police reported that no updates on the victims’ conditions were available and that they would determine tomorrow whether further investigation into the incident is necessary. Emergency responders, including a specialized “chemical response” unit, were dispatched to the library.
According to police, the explosion was caused by a “chemical reaction of some kind,” but no hazardous materials were found at the scene. Keld Hansen, Deputy Director of Tønder Municipality, announced that crisis counseling services would be offered to those affected.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Vasco expressed hope for future events, emphasizing that they should not deter people from attending similar shows. “The chemistry students were there to show something exciting. People shouldn’t be afraid next time. It was just an accident, like any other,” he remarked.