UC Berkeley Explosion: Buildings Remain Closed
The UC Berkeley explosion is under control. However, several buildings remain closed. Investigators determined the power outage and explosion are linked to an attempted theft of copper cables.
Last week, someone attempted to remove copper cables from a remote substation. Although they were not successful, the damage caused the entire campus to lose power.
As crews attempted to restore power, an explosion occurred in an underground utility room. The blast was massive. Witnesses report flames and a huge cloud of black smoke throughout the area.
As reported by Ventura County Star, The UC Berkeley explosion injured four people. A female student was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Three other individuals refused medical treatment for minor burns.
Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof says the crew thought the cables were fully repaired. He believes the thief or thieves knew what they were doing:
“It’s not easy to pull out this type of copper wire, and they had something capable of pulling on cable so hard it flattened the cable.”
Mulgof says this is the Berkeley’s first incident involving theft of copper wire. University administrators are discussion increased security measures.
Although few people were harmed, the blast wrecked havoc on campus. As reported by Daily Californian, several students were trapped inside elevators.
The entire campus was evacuated as a precaution. All classes and activities were cancelled. Although the initial crisis has passed, 11 building remain closed.
The closed buildings are still without power. Effected buildings include California Hall, Dwinelle Hall, Alumni House, Bancroft Library, Doe Library, Durant Hall, Edwards Track, Haas Pavilion, the Central Heating Plant, Dwinelle Annex, and the Hazardous materials facility.
Students are encouraged to contact their instructors or academic advisers for information about rescheduling their classes. Employees who work in the closed buildings are asked to check with their immediate supervisors before reporting to work.
The UC Berkeley explosion was frightening for everyone on campus. Thankfully there were few injuries and little irreparable damage.
[Image via Wikimedia]
