University of Nevada dormitory explosion rocks Virginia Street
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 12:39pm
UPDATE 5:00 p.m.: Officials are now calling it a “mechanical failure.” Crews continue to search the wreckage for anyone who may be trapped. All streets within a half mile of the campus are closed. Major damage is being reported at Argenta Hall; however, they believe the building was mostly unoccupied at the time of the explosion.
UPDATE 4:00 p.m.: So far, reports of 8 people were injured and two have been transferred to the hospital. All classes for the rest of the day have been cancelled.
UPDATE 3:00 p.m.: Minor injuries have been reported and a triage center has been set up. As of 3 p.m. no one has needed transfer to area hospitals. Crews are still searching for potential victims.
UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: The University sent an automated text message to students and faculty just after 1:30 p.m. reading: "There has been a utilities accident on the main campus Police and fire on scene please stay away."
Virginia Street is closed from Artemisia to College, and Sierra Street has been closed off as well near the area.
***
Crews are on scene at a suspected explosion inside one of the dormitories at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Just after 1 p.m., an explosion was reported near North Virginia and Artemesia in the Argenta dormitory. Smoke and debris can be seen coming from the suspected explosion site.
The public is being asked to avoid the area, and surrounding streets are being closed.
First responders are on scene. At this time there are no reports of injury or a cause.
Updates to follow.
