Fire at Germany’s GSI Accelerator Brought Under Control After Power-Supply Blaze

Overview

• Facility spokespersons said a short circuit in the accelerator’s high‑voltage power supply ignited the blaze during preparations to power up the system.
• The site in Darmstadt was evacuated with no injuries reported, and officials said no hazardous materials were released.
• Roughly 130 firefighters responded as authorities advised nearby residents to keep windows closed and switch off ventilation as a precaution.
• A radiation protection officer said their unit was not activated, and air measurements detected no hazardous substances so far.
• GSI reported damage to cables, electrical equipment and office furnishings, while a nearby construction project remained unaffected and repair costs were not yet known.