Sulfuric acid accident in Lübeck: Danger for sewers and residents!

Transparenz: Redaktionell erstellt und geprüft.
Veröffentlicht am

On June 17, 2025, sulfuric acid leaked from a damaged container in Lübeck, posing a threat to sewage systems and health.

Am 17. Juni 2025 trat in Lübeck Schwefelsäure aus einem beschädigten Container aus, wodurch Gefahr für Kanalisation und Gesundheit bestand.
On June 17, 2025, sulfuric acid leaked from a damaged container in Lübeck, posing a threat to sewage systems and health.

Sulfuric acid accident in Lübeck: Danger for sewers and residents!

On June 17th at 3:30 p.m. a dangerous incident occurred in the Roggenhorst industrial area in Lübeck St. Lorenz. A 55-year-old truck driver damaged an IBC container with sulfuric acid while loading it. Several hundred liters of the toxic liquid escaped, which contaminated both the loading area and the ground. The situation was critical because there was an acute risk that the sulfuric acid could enter the sewage system. This would not only have had repercussions on the environment, but also costly repairs to the sewer system, as sulfuric acid is known to cause significant damage to concrete, as shz.de reports.

The first emergency services from the professional fire brigade and the Lübeck waste disposal company were quickly on site and took immediate measures to prevent contamination of the wastewater system. The operation lasted more than five hours until the measures were completed at 8:45 p.m. During this time, Taschenmacherstrasse was completely closed, which significantly affected traffic in the area.

Health hazards

The truck driver complained of respiratory symptoms during the incident and received medical attention at the scene before being transported to the hospital. Exposure to sulfuric acid can cause serious health consequences, including respiratory irritation such as coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. These symptoms depend on the concentration of the fumes and the duration of exposure. In addition, skin contact can lead to severe chemical burns, as is clearly stated on the BAuA website.

An incident of this type is of great importance when dealing with chemicals. Employers should be aware of hazards such as these and take appropriate safety measures. Whether you are an employer or an employee, a good understanding of the properties of hazardous substances is essential.

Preventive measures and responses

The quick reaction of the waste disposal companies and the fire department made a significant contribution to preventing anything worse from happening. In such situations, it is crucial that all organizations involved in security work well together. This type of incident reminds us that the correct handling of hazardous substances in the industry is not just a legal requirement; rather, it is a question of safety for everyone involved.

The following points should therefore always be kept in mind:

  • Schnelle Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Gefahr
  • Schutzkleidung und Sicherheitsvorkehrungen
  • Regelmäßige Schulungen für Mitarbeiter im Umgang mit Gefahrstoffen
  • Einfache Zugänglichkeit von Sicherheitsdatenblättern

By taking the right steps, dangerous situations like this can be avoided in the future. We hope that the truck driver will recover soon and that this incident will raise awareness among others to take the issue of handling hazardous substances seriously.