A potential disaster was narrowly averted in the town of Rajhrad in the Brno region as 19 tons of highly dangerous white phosphorus were discovered stored inappropriately in a shelter near a middle school, a railway station, and family homes. Described as a ticking time bomb, this situation could have resulted in devastating consequences had the substance leaked into the surrounding area.

The white phosphorus was part of a 2020 business transaction conducted by Rudolf Mazánek and Jan Chovanec, who subsequently passed the substance to Petr Jaroš. Despite being aware of the nature of the substance, Jaroš allegedly stored the two hundred barrels in a completely unsuitable location within regular construction.

The attention of Jan Vrána, a police officer from the Vyškov economic crime unit, was drawn to the situation due to Mazánek’s and Chovanec’s attempts to dispose of the phosphorus inexpensively instead of following proper disposal procedures. The men reportedly provided the substance to two waste-processing companies without disclosing its true nature.

In both instances, the white phosphorus started to burn, posing a serious risk to employees and those in the vicinity. Burning white phosphorus is highly dangerous, cannot be extinguished with water, and is toxic, causing severe burns.

Jan Vrána’s intervention and cooperation with firefighters in the Rajhrad area prevented a tragedy. During the delivery of the last barrels, several tipped over, heightening the risk of the substance catching fire and causing a chain reaction.

The police are now demanding twelve million crowns, the cost of phosphorous disposal, from the defendants and the two companies involved. The defendants, facing charges of public endangerment and other criminal offenses, have requested time to negotiate a possible agreement on guilt and punishment with the state attorney. The court has adjourned proceedings until mid-December to accommodate this request.

Article by Prague Forum