Several University of Delaware buildings will reopen for classes and resume normal operations on Thursday morning, Feb. 9 after having been evacuated Wednesday afternoon. The evacuations were in response to UD Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) notification that researchers inadvertently produced a small amount of a shock-sensitive explosive chemical in Lammot du Pont Laboratory. This was an isolated incident, and there is no threat to campus health or safety. No injuries were reported.

Throughout the afternoon UD Alerts were issued advising the University community of building closures, evacuations and emergency operations.

Out of an abundance of caution, members of the UD community were directed to evacuate Lammot du Pont Laboratory, Brown Laboratory, Drake Laboratory, Memorial Hall, Alison Hall and Morris Library.  The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), along with the Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD), investigated the materials. The EOD team removed the materials from the building and transferred them to a safe location on the South Green, where they were neutralized at approximately 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.”

Individuals who left belongings in any of the evacuated buildings may retrieve them by contacting UDPD at 302-831-2222.

Members of the University community can receive information during a campus crisis or emergency through UD Alert, the University of Delaware’s emergency notification system. For more information on UD’s safety response resources, please visit https://www.udel.edu/safety/

Previously posted, 3:45 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8

University of Delaware Environmental Health and Safety staff are addressing an issue with emergency response officials regarding an isolated hazardous materials situation related to an experiment in Lammot du Pont Lab.

All members of the University community are asked to avoid the South Green until further notice.

The following buildings are closed and evacuated:

• Lammot du Pont Lab

• Memorial Hall

• Allison Hall

• Hugh Morris Library

• Brown Lab

• Drake Lab

Please do not return to the area until a notice of all clear is sent via UD Alert.

If you have classes or work in these facilities before 6 p.m., please do not report. Further information about evening classes will be provided as more information becomes available.