Blaze at German Research Center: Firefighters Battle Flames in Darmstadt

A fire broke out at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt, Germany, caused by a short circuit in the power supply for a particle accelerator. The site was evacuated with no injuries. The fire damaged electrical systems, but no hazardous materials were released.

On Thursday, approximately 130 firefighters were dispatched to combat a fire at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in southwestern Germany. A spokesperson for the facility reported that the blaze originated from the power supply for a particle accelerator.

Thick smoke billowed from the site, situated in Darmstadt, leading to a full evacuation. Remarkably, no injuries were reported, and the release of hazardous materials was avoided, confirmed by the center's spokesperson.

The fire, attributed to a short circuit in the accelerator's high-voltage supply, caused significant damage to cables, electrical equipment, and office furnishings. Despite the threat of ionizing radiation, a radiation protection officer remained on standby, with residents advised to take precautionary measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)