A glass bottle containing the hazardous substance Picric acid was found among donated items at the May-Stringer House in Brooksville on Friday morning, around 8:10 a.m. The Hernando County Fire Rescue and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene at 1310 E. Fort Dade Ave.
The bottle, which had crystallized and become explosive, was discovered among articles donated the previous night. The donor, who had received the bottle from her late father, a doctor, explained that it had been kept in his office cabinet for years. Sheriff Al Nieuhuis stated that nothing appeared criminal about the incident. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad was called in to safely remove the bottle.
The May-Stringer House, a local museum, was able to safely receive the donated items, but the hazardous substance posed an immediate risk. The incident highlights the importance of properly disposing of unknown or hazardous materials. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue worked together to ensure public safety.
No injuries or damages were reported in the incident. The museum was able to continue its operations after the safe removal of the hazardous substance. For more information on hazardous material disposal, residents can visit the Hernando County Government website or contact the Hernando County Fire Rescue department.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
