This is a developing story. It will be updated as new details emerge.
6:40 p.m. Update
University of Illinois officials have sounded the “All-Clear” at the Engineering Sciences Building at Springfield and Goodwin on campus after a release of hazardous chemicals prompted an evacuation. Urbana Fire Battalion Chief Clint Weidert says firefighters were called to the scene this (Wednesday) afternoon on a report of hazardous chemicals released at a laboratory.
“[I] don’t know if it was a spill or an experiment they were dealing with,” says Widert. “It’s contained to the lab, the room of origin. Did not get outside there. And we basically made sure it was contained. The people that were here did a little bit of containment before our arrival.”
U of I officials had asked the public to avoid the area due to an inhalation risk. But Weidert says the release, which involved more than one chemical, has been contained, and no longer poses a danger to the public. – Jim Meadows and Mae Antar, IPM News
5:36 p.m. Update
URBANA – The university says the emergency has ended and that regular activities can resume.
Illini-Alert. The emergency has ended. It is safe to resume regular activities.
— Illini-Alert (@IlliniAlert) August 30, 2023
4:28 p.m. Update
URBANA – Hazardous materials at the Engineering Sciences Building at the U of I appear to now be contained. It is still recommended to avoid the area at this time.
Illini-Alert Emergency. Hazard appears contained to a laboratory in Engineering Sciences Building. Please continue to avoid the area during cleanup.
— Illini-Alert (@IlliniAlert) August 30, 2023
3:42 p.m. Update
URBANA – A second Illini-Alert states that the Urbana Fire Department and University Division of Research Safety are now on the scene.
Illini-Alert Emergency. Hazardous materials released at 1101 W Springfield Ave, Urbana. Fire Dept and DRS are on scene. Cleanup in progress. Continue to avoid.
— Illini-Alert (@IlliniAlert) August 30, 2023
3:34 p.m. Update
URBANA – The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign issued an Illini-Alert at 3:22 p.m. about a hazardous materials release. The address given was 1101 Springfield Avenue in Urbana. That’s the address of the Engineering Science Building at the U of I. The alert stated that people should leave the area if safe to do so and avoid it as well because of possible inhalation hazards. The building is across the street from the university’s Public Safety building.
Illini-Alert Emergency. Hazardous materials released at 1101 Springfield Av Urbana. Leave area if safe to do so. Possible inhalation hazard, avoid area.
— Illini-Alert (@IlliniAlert) August 30, 2023