What we know − and don't know − about what caused UD's lab evacuation 2 weeks ago

Hannah Edelman, Delaware News Journal
·2 min read

Two weeks after a "safety-related incident" in the University of Delaware's Lammot du Pont Laboratory led to the evacuation of six buildings and a police-led "controlled detonation" on The Green in Newark, UD officials have provided an update on the incident with slightly more information.

However, details about what exactly led to this incident and what was occurring at the lab remain unknown to the public.

Here's what we can answer − and what we can't.

What do we know about what happened?

Researchers in the Lammot du Pont Laboratory "inadvertently produced a small amount of a shock-sensitive explosive chemical" on Feb. 8, according to the university.

Delaware State Police's explosive ordnance disposal unit removed the chemicals from the lab on Wednesday and took them to a "safe location" on the South Green for a "controlled detonation" at 5:45 p.m. There were no reported injuries, and all evacuated buildings were reopened for classes the following day.

THE INCIDENT:UD buildings evacuated for 'lab safety incident' will reopen Thursday for class

University of Delaware students walk past first responders who were called to the school for reports of a "lab safety incident."
University of Delaware students walk past first responders who were called to the school for reports of a "lab safety incident."

What new information did the University of Delaware's update provide?

The University of Delaware said on Wednesday that the explosive chemical was created when a student "incorrectly mixed chemicals" in the lab. The student "immediately realized" and reported the error, according to UD, and police and UD Environmental Health and Safety were called.

The university also said it is "learning from the incident to further enhance lab safety protocols," but provided no details or clarifications.

Have incidents like this happened before?

Yes. Past incidents include a chemical explosion in a lab that injured two graduate students in 2018 and a chemical lab fire that led to hazardous materials crews being called in 2014.

The university does not typically publicly report injuries or near-injuries in its laboratories, and there is no publicly available database of incidents.

Local and state first responders have located themselves outside several science buildings along The Green and Academy Road at the University of Delaware following a lab "safety-related incident."
Local and state first responders have located themselves outside several science buildings along The Green and Academy Road at the University of Delaware following a lab "safety-related incident."

What were the researchers studying and what was the "shock-sensitive" explosive compound?

We don't know, as that information has not been publicly disclosed by the university.

What lab safety protocols need improvement?

That remains unclear. Mark Seifert, UD associate vice president for emergency management and safety, said in a story published by UDaily − a UD publication − that the university is "also learning from the incident to further enhance lab safety protocols." No further information was included in the story.

First responders are at the University of Delaware in connection with a lab "safety-related incident" on Feb. 8, 2023.
First responders are at the University of Delaware in connection with a lab "safety-related incident" on Feb. 8, 2023.

Will the university give any more updates?

A spokesperson pointed to the story published by UDaily and said no additional information is being released. Delaware Online/The News Journal was also told reporters could not interview anyone at UD about the incident

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: University of Delaware lab evacuation leaves questions unanswered