Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 5, 2026
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A major fire broke out at a research centre in Darmstadt, Germany, affecting the particle accelerator area. Firefighters have controlled the blaze with no reported injuries.
By Tilman Blasshofer
DARMSTADT, Germany, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Around 130 firefighters were battling a blaze on Thursday at a scientific research centre in southwestern Germany that a spokesperson for the facility said originated in the power supply for a particle accelerator.
Local television images showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in the city of Darmstadt.
"The site was evacuated, there are no injuries, and no hazardous materials were released," the GSI spokesperson said.
The fire was caused by a short circuit in the high-voltage supply for the accelerator, the spokesperson added.
Another spokesperson for the centre earlier told journalists at the site that the fire had damaged cables, electrical equipment, and office furnishings.
Heavy ion accelerators concentrate positively charged atoms into beams and propel them at extremely high speeds within magnetic fields.
The centre's website says the facility is used by international researchers "to gain insights about the building blocks of matter and the evolution of the universe." That research contributes to the development of new applications in technology and medicine, including the treatment of cancer, it said.
Particle accelerators can pose safety hazards, as they emit ionising radiation during operation, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A radiation protection officer, however, told Reuters they had not been called into action.
Residents living near the facility were asked to keep doors and windows closed and to turn off their ventilation systems as a precaution.
The operation to extinguish the blaze is expected to continue until late Thursday, a fire brigade spokesperson said at the site.
The GSI spokesperson said the fire had caused damage to the institute's existing system, but a construction site for a new facility remained unaffected. The cost of damages from the fire was not yet known.
(Reporting by Tilmann Blasshofer and Kirsti Knolle, Writing by Miranda Murray and Linda Pasquini; Editing by Friederike Heine and Joe Bavier)
A research center is an institution dedicated to conducting research in various fields, often focusing on scientific, technological, or social issues to advance knowledge and innovation.
Innovation refers to the process of creating new ideas, products, or methods that improve efficiency, effectiveness, or value in various sectors, including technology and finance.
Sustainability is the practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, often focusing on environmental, social, and economic factors.
Technology encompasses the tools, systems, and methods used to solve problems or enhance capabilities, playing a crucial role in various industries, including banking and finance.
Insurance is a financial arrangement that provides protection against potential future losses or damages, typically involving regular premium payments in exchange for coverage.
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