Chemical Explosion Prompts Evacuation Of Pitt's Clapp Hall
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter
OAKLAND (KDKA) – A chemical explosion prompted the evacuation of a science building on the University of Pittsburgh's campus on Wednesday afternoon.
According to officials, the incident was first reported inside Clapp Hall on Fifth Avenue around 2:45 p.m.
Firefighters, police, hazmat teams and paramedics were all called to the scene.
The students were evacuated over safety concerns. The building, part of the Clapp, Langley and Crawford Hall complex, houses the departments of Biological Sciences and Neuroscience.
University officials say the explosion was contained by a "fume hood," which is designed to limit exposure to hazardous and toxic materials.
Three people were inside the lab at the time of the explosion, Pitt officials said. They included two students and one staff member who were across the room from where it happened.
Officials gave the all clear around 3:30 p.m., and students were allowed to re-enter the building.
The 2:45 p.m. incident in the Life Sciences Annex in the Clapp, Langley and Crawford Hall complex is over and the building is reopened, excluding the first floor. pic.twitter.com/QqVUFaxfpG
— University of Pittsburgh (@PittTweet) January 31, 2018
The only part of the building that remains closed down is the first-floor annex area. Clean-up is underway there.
No serious injuries were reported, but one student was evaluated by paramedics for eye irritation.
Stay With KDKA.com For More Details
