Stink bombs at Radboud University Nijmegen

On the campus of Radboud University Nijmegen stink bombs containing butyric acid were released. There is no danger to health, but the smell is hardly pleasant. The university has filed a police report.

On Friday a foul smell hung over the campus of Radboud University Nijmegen. Butyric acid was found in several places, apparently poured into rubbish bags. The invisible, watery liquid is hard to trace.

“There are several areas cordoned off and they are being cleaned”, says the university. Rubbish bags are being removed and doors and windows have been opened to dispel the smell, reports De Gelderlander.

It is not harmful to health, but the smell is described as that of rancid butter, vomit or rotten cheese, writes university paper Vox. The university has filed a police report.

“We thought at first that someone was eating something disgusting, or that someone had vomited”, two business administration students tell De Gelderlander. They are not happy about it: “It’s exam week, everyone has to study. So this is badly timed.” Another student went home feeling sick.

Who is responsible for the action is still unknown. The pro-Palestinian activist group Nijmegen Student Encampment tells De Gelderlander it had nothing to do with it. Earlier that day two pro-Palestinian activists had chained themselves to a gate at the university. A few hours later they left voluntarily.