A major emergency unfolded at HTL Mödling, one of Europe's largest schools, after the discovery of dried picric acid, a highly explosive chemical.

The incident led to the evacuation of approximately 250 students and staff on Tuesday morning.

The acid, typically used in chemistry classes, becomes dangerous when dried, posing a risk of detonation from even minor disturbances.

Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and a bomb disposal unit, swiftly secured the area and neutralized the threat.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

This incident echoes similar evacuations in the region last year due to the same chemical.

Investigations are ongoing to determine how the acid was left to dry.