A bomb squad was deployed to a home in Lexington, Massachusetts, after a chemical mediation company discovered radioactive and explosive materials during a cleanout of the deceased chemist's residence on Tuesday. The hazardous materials included a "non-transportable" radioactive substance and picric acid.
Multiple bottles of old and degraded chemicals, deemed "compromised," were found in the house on Longfellow Road. Picric acid, when dry, is highly sensitive and can detonate from minor impact, friction, or heat. It can also form even more sensitive salts upon contact with common metals, according to Stanford University Environmental Health & Safety.
Lexington Fire and police departments evacuated and secured the area. A Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, accompanied by a hazmat team and an FBI bomb technician, conducted a thorough search and removal of the potentially dangerous materials. "These materials could not be left in place and had to be carefully and methodically removed for safe disposal," said Lexington Fire Chief Derek Sencabaugh. "Our priority at every step was the safety of community residents and our first responders."
The home had been unoccupied since the chemist's death, and authorities indicated there was no evidence of criminal activity. State Fire Marshal Jon Davine noted that while such discoveries are not entirely uncommon, this situation was particularly complex. "We see this fact pattern a few times a year," Davine said. "It often involves family members who find military ordnance after a veteran passes away. This was a much more complex scenario. It required patience, precision, and a high degree of technical skill."
State Police bomb technicians carefully transferred the explosive and unidentified substances to a truck filled with sand. These materials were then transported to a remote location and destroyed without incident. Licensed radiological contractors took custody of the radioactive substances for safe disposal, while a private clean-up company handled the remaining materials.
The operation concluded with all teams cleared from the scene by approximately 8:00 PM. Officials confirmed that no injuries or illnesses were reported and stated there was no ongoing threat to the public or the environment. Davine highlighted Massachusetts' extensive planning, training, and funding for such emergency response capabilities, commending the interagency collaboration that ensured the mission's success. "Massachusetts has put decades of planning, training, and funding into our response capabilities for events like this," Davine said. "I want to recognize the professionalism of our partners in Lexington throughout this mission, and I want to thank the hazmat and bomb technicians whose interagency and interdisciplinary teamwork made it a success."
