Beaker Explodes In Laboratory, Sending One To Hospital With Minor Injuries
Madison, WI
One person was taken to the hospital with injuries after an isolated explosion inside a scientific laboratory.
The Madison Fire Department responded to the 3500 block of Anderson Street where a chemist was attempting to synthesize a new compound by mixing two chemicals together in a beaker. During the process, the beaker exploded, resulting in injuries to the scientist.
The patient was rinsing off when Ladder Co. 8 and Medic 8 arrived, but more decontamination would be needed to prevent further exposure to the chemicals. The MFD’s Hazardous Incident Team was dispatched to perform a thorough decontamination before the patient was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
The chemist was wearing a lab coat and eye protection at the time. The wounds caused by the explosion are considered minor. Other symptoms the patient reported in the aftermath of the explosion subsided en route to the hospital.