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TIL 4 people died (including a child) and over 200 were seriously injured after two men stole a caesium-137 radiotherapy device from an abandoned hospital and sold it for scrap, hoping to make money. (en.wikipedia.org)

submitted 2 years ago by bermuda@beehaw.org to c/todayilearned@lemmy.ml

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[–] mateomaui@reddthat.com 5 points 2 years ago (9 children)

On September 16, Alves punctured the capsule's aperture window with a screwdriver, allowing him to see a deep blue light coming from the tiny opening he had created.[1] He inserted the screwdriver and successfully scooped out some of the glowing substance. Thinking it was perhaps a type of gunpowder, he tried to light it, but the powder would not ignite.

Because, naturally, gunpowder is something you’d expect to find in medical equipment.

[–] Templa@beehaw.org 3 points 2 years ago (7 children)

It is pretty depressing to find this kind of reply here. If the person was ignorant enough to think that was gunpowder that obviously means they lack knowledge. Some of these people didn't even know what makes something radioactive. Do you really think the guy would give the powder for his 6yo daughter to play if he knew better?

Have some empathy for people less privileged than you.

[–] reverendsteveii@lemm.ee 4 points 2 years ago (3 children)

You've saved someone who is almost certainly already dead from criticism on the internet. You've done absolutely nothing for no one, but you've put yourself in a position of moral superiority. Well done, I guess.

[–] mateomaui@reddthat.com 0 points 2 years ago

Pretty good assessment.

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