A controlled explosion was carried out early yesterday on a chemical used in the research centre of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin, after it was found in an altered state.
The action was necessary after about 100 grammes of picric acid were discovered to have turned from liquid into powder, which can be dangerous. The explosion was carried out at 7.45am in a field close to the hospital.
In a statement, the hospital said the research centre's licensed chemical disposal company first sealed the chemical in an approved container, rendering it safe for disposal.
"A plan was then put in place to ensure the safe destruction of the chemical."