3 people treated at hospital after chemistry lab explosion at Murray State University

MURRAY, Ky. (KFVS) - Murray State University Police and emergency crews responded to a report of a chemical leak on campus on Tuesday, November 29.

The university reported shortly after 12:30 p.m. there was a chemical leak at Jesse D. Jones Hall, also known as the Chemistry Building.

According to Murray Fire Chief Eric Pologruto, an explosion in the lab injured one person.

The extent of the person’s injuries is unknown at this time.

Later in the evening, Murray State University said in a statement that three individuals in the building had to be treated at a local hospital and were released.

It is also unclear what substance caused the explosion.

Just before 2:30, Murray State University said in a statement there is no immediate danger to the Chemistry Building.

Three buildings have been closed on the science campus, including Chemistry, Biology and the School of Engineering/Engineering and Physics.

Classes are canceled in those facilities for the rest of Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The area outside the Gene W. Ray science campus is open.

In a statement before 6 p.m., the university said that classes would resume as normal on Wednesday and the buildings would be open, with no labratory activities.

Chief Pologruto said he has called in the State Fire Marshal to investigate.

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