On Wednesday, February 8, University of Delaware (UD) evacuated the school due to a lab “safety related” incident.

   The evacuation took place after researchers in the Lammot du Pont lab accidentally produced a small amount of a “shock-sensitive explosive chemical.” 

   “This was an isolated incident, and there is no threat to campus health or safety,” the university said in a statement. “No injuries were reported.”

   The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD) investigated the materials, removing them from the building and transferring them to South Green. They were approximately disposed of at 5:45 p.m.

   “We’re grateful for the collaboration of emergency responders on campus and from state and local agencies to achieve a safe resolution to this situation,” said Mark Seifert, UD associate vice president for emergency management and safety. “We appreciate the patience and cooperation of everyone in the UD community as we worked to resume normal operations as swiftly and safely as possible.”

   Students everywhere, including those attending UD themselves, have reacted to the incident on social media with humor. 

   “I was shocked when I found out,” said CHHS junior Robert Nash. “I mean, could you imagine if that happened here?”

   Classes that were cancelled due to evacuation started again on Thursday, February 9.