Explosion Rocks UCL Pharmacy Lab: One Injured
A chemical blast has shaken the UCL School of Pharmacy at University College London. The explosive substance is believed to be tetrazole, a highly flammable chemical. One person was injured and went to nearby University College Hospital (UCH) for treatment.
Because of the volatile chemical involved, hospital bosses asked London ambulance services to divert patients to other hospitals temporarily.
Emergency Teams Race to Scene
Specialist biohazard teams trained in chemical safety were rushed to the site to secure the area. Police and fire crews joined the rapid response to manage the unfolding situation.
A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesperson confirmed: “Firefighters were called at 7.45pm following reports of a small explosion in a UCL lab. The situation was under control by 9.40pm.”
UCL and Hospital Respond
The UCL School of Pharmacy said in a statement: “Yesterday, there was a minor incident involving a chemical experiment in one of our labs. A student visited A&E as a precaution and was discharged later that day. The lab is now closed for cleaning. The rest of the building is open as usual – there is no further risk.”
They added: “The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are reviewing our safety procedures to ensure all work is conducted as safely as possible.”
A UCH spokesperson revealed the hospital conducted decontamination and remains unable to provide further details as the investigation continues.
Firefighters Sweep for Danger
Fire crews from Euston, Soho, Bethnal Green, Islington, and other nearby stations carried out thorough checks for residual chemicals on the UCL campus. Hospital staff managed decontamination on UCH grounds. Fortunately, no other injuries have been reported.
The cause of the explosion remains under official investigation as emergency teams continue their work.
