Mercury found in rental moving van in Baden-Württemberg sends eight to hospital and triggers evacuation
A family's move took a hazardous turn when a 2 cm by 2 cm patch of mercury was discovered in a rental vehicle in Reichenbach an der Fils, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
Discovery during a family move
On Monday, 20 July 2026, a family moving in Reichenbach an der Fils (Esslingen district) found a suspicious liquid in a rented vehicle. The substance, spread across an area of roughly two centimetres by two centimetres, was later confirmed to be elemental mercury. The head of the local rescue service, Steffen Schütze, described the scene, noting the liquid had been discovered during the course of the move.
The mercury was found in the rental vehicle during a family's move, on a surface of about two by two centimetres.
Emergency response and evacuation
Firefighters wearing full protective suits cordoned off the area. As a precaution, several residential units nearby were evacuated while the hazardous material was secured. A police spokesperson confirmed that eight people who had come into contact with the liquid, inhaling its vapours, were taken to hospital for examination. Residents were later allowed to return to their homes once the immediate risk was managed.
Health risks of mercury exposure
Mercury is a silvery heavy metal that is liquid at normal temperatures (melting at -39 degrees Celsius under standard pressure). It is highly toxic, particularly through inhalation of invisible vapours. According to Germany's Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), long-term exposure can cause severe damage to the central nervous system and kidneys. Historically, mercury was used in batteries, thermometers, and fluorescent tubes, though its use has been largely phased out due to these health dangers.
Ongoing police investigation
The origin of the mercury remains unknown. The police have launched an investigation to determine how the dangerous substance ended up in the rental vehicle. A spokesperson stated that the priority is to trace the source of the mercury. No further details about the contamination have been released, and no arrests or suspects have been reported.
- Mercury found in rental moving van during a family's relocation.
- Firefighters in protective suits secure the area; multiple residential units evacuated.
- Eight exposed persons taken to hospital as a precaution.
- Evacuated residents allowed back into their homes; vehicle impounded for investigation.
Aftermath and return to normal
Following the decontamination of the vehicle and the immediate area, the evacuated residents were permitted to return. The eight individuals taken to hospital were admitted as a precautionary measure; no serious symptoms were reported at the scene. The rental vehicle has been impounded for forensic examination. Local authorities have not indicated any ongoing public danger.
