Dangerously stored helium found in residential area of Breda

Helium bottles Photo: Depositphotos
Helium bottles Photo: Depositphotos

Authorities in Breda have seized 3,000 litres of helium from a garage in a residential neighbourhood yesterday.

The city’s mayor Paul Depla said the way the gas bottles were stored was ‘life-threatening.’ While possession of helium is not illegal, there are strict requirements for proper storage,’ he said.

“The bottles were not stored correctly, creating a dangerous situation. They were immediately confiscated,” the city said in a statement.

More than 10 times the legal amount of helium was being stored in one location and the storage unit was not properly ventilated.

City authorities discovered the cache after being tipped off through the Netherlands’ anonymous tip site, Meld Misdaad Anoniem. The owner of the garage was renting out the space and was unaware of what was being stored in it.

According to Omroep Brabant, all the containers have been destroyed and the city is looking into whether to charge the owner and tenant of the garage.

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