1 Person Injured, 2 NCSU Buildings Evacuated After Explosion

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.