06/29/2010 // WPB, FL, USA // Nicole Howley // Nicole Howley

Kansas City, MO—An explosion rocked the University of Missouri on Monday, June 28, 2010, which left four people injured and damaged Schweitzer Hall. The explosion occurred around 2:20 p.m., causing officials to evacuate the occupied building, as reported by The Kansas City Star.

The Columbia Fire Department reported four lab technicians were using hydrogen as part of an experiment with bacteria, when the gas exploded. The force of the explosion blew out 17 windows on the building’s third floor. Officials believe the explosion occurred because of human error while conducting the experiment with mixed nitrogen.

The explosion injured four lab technicians, who were rushed to University Hospital. One person, who took the brunt of the blast, sustained burns and impact to the face and chest.

Officials have not released the identities of the victims.

Capt. Eric Hartman of the Columbia Fire Department said, “Because lab personnel weren’t familiar with the warning system to alert that the hydrogen was reaching explosive limits, the gas was left on.”

The explosion destroyed the interior of the biotech laboratory. An adjacent lab also suffered major damage, which included water damage.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Missouri personal injury attorneys.

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