Raleigh, N.C. — Two science buildings at North Carolina State University were briefly evacuated Tuesday and hazmat crews were called to the scene after a battery exploded.
Dr. Alex I. Smirnov, associate professor of chemistry, was transported to WakeMed for treatment of minor injuries. N.C. State campus police responded to 613 Cox Hall at about 3:15 p.m.
Authorities said Smirnov was inserting a small battery into an instrument when the battery caused a minor explosion, campus police Sgt. Jon Barnwell said. The explosion caused acid to hit his face.
Authorities evacuated Cox Hall as a precaution after reports of a strong odor of sulfur, Barnwell said.
Both buildings reopened shortly after 5 p.m. The laboratory where the explosion occurred was still closed.
Neighboring Dabney Hall was also evacuated because it is connected to Cox.
1 Person Injured, 2 NCSU Buildings Evacuated After Explosion
- Reporter: Amanda Lamb
- Photographer: Mark Simpson
Copyright 2009 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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