Bomb squad used £4,500-worth of supermarket vodka to prevent a haul of dangerous chemicals exploding
A BOMB squad used £4,500-worth of supermarket vodka to prevent a haul of dangerous chemicals exploding.
They were called out after more than 500 canisters were found at a property.
A major incident was declared and 80 residents evacuated.
Explosives experts usually use ethanol to neutralise chemicals volatile to heat and movement.
But the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team realised they did not have enough with them — so sent council staff to buy vodka, which can be used due to its ethanol content.
The spirit was then used to keep the chemical canisters stable during a controlled burn in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, last month.
A worker at a local Morrisons said: “They had 12 litres already and bought more than 60 here — all different brands including Smirnoff, and at different prices.
“They said they needed it to dilute what they had found in the flat.
“We did joke they might be having a huge party.”
Locals were allowed home four days later, while the Hastings Half Marathon was cancelled.
A man of 28 was detained under the Mental Health Act.
Sussex Police said: “Alcohol is the quickest and most effective way to stabilise certain substances and we obtained the vodka after following expert advice.
“A total of 120 litres, costing £4,500, were purchased from supermarkets.”
Hastings Council did not want to comment.