Graduate student killed by hydrofluoric acid spill at Hokkaido University

A male graduate student died after being drenched in hydrofluoric acid, known as "bone-dissolving water," at Hokkaido University's science faculty building in Sapporo on Thursday morning. Two other students who rushed to help were also injured.

The incident occurred around 8.30am. University officials said the student who died had come into direct contact with a large amount of the acid, possibly on his head or face. The two others, a graduate student and an undergraduate, sustained minor injuries and were discharged after check-ups.

The university clarified that the incident did not occur during an experiment. Police are investigating how the chemical was stored and handled.

Hydrofluoric acid is a highly toxic chemical regulated under Japan's Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act. Its fluoride ions can penetrate skin and cause systemic toxicity, including cardiac arrest.

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