A Close Call for Calgary Residents

Calgary is reeling after a woman was charged with criminal negligence, following the alarming discovery of a suspicious package that prompted a massive evacuation in the Manchester Industrial neighborhood last week. This incident turned a usually quiet area into a scene of tension and unease.

The Shocking Discovery

It all began on August 27, when the Calgary police's bomb disposal unit rushed to a local business. Investigators unveiled a chilling secret: the package contained picric acid, a highly volatile chemical notorious for its explosive potential. As news of the threat spread, several streets were cordoned off, airspace above the area was restricted, and residents were urged to stay away while experts dealt with the hazardous material.

A Lucky Escape

Authorities believe the dangerous chemical had been left unattended outside the business for nearly 10 days before it was spotted. Staff Sgt. Ray Kelly from the Calgary Police Service revealed the package was delivered by a local moving company that had mistakenly mislabelled it.

A Risky Oversight

Kelly noted the substantial risk posed by the chemical, stating, "In its dry state, that could have caused significant damage if it detonated in the area." thanks to the swift action of the tactical team, the chemical was safely transported away for controlled detonation.

The Company Under Scrutiny

Initially, the moving company was unaware of the package's contents. However, investigations later suggested that the president of the company that hired the movers knew about the chemical but failed to inform them. This oversight has drawn serious scrutiny.

The Danger of Picric Acid

On the official Transport Canada website, picric acid is categorized as a common chemical used in labs for dyes and explosives but is exceptionally sensitive to shock, heat, and friction. This makes it one of the most hazardous substances managed in chemical environments.

Legal Consequences Ahead

The accused, Christine Jacqueline Teschl, 59, is scheduled to appear in court on October 8, 2025. While police state there was no intent to endanger the public, they highlighted that Teschl’s decisions significantly jeopardized the safety of the community and emergency services.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigations

"It took expertise and collaboration across multiple agencies to ensure no one was hurt," Kelly added, emphasizing the complexity of the situation. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety is also investigating the incident, with police urging anyone with information to reach out.